Detroit — Cade Cunningham‘s standout season has resulted in what may be his most outstanding achievement.
The NBA announced on Friday that the Detroit Pistons’ All-Star guard was voted to the 2024-25 All-NBA Third Team. He became the first player since Blake Griffin in 2019 to earn this honor as a member of the Pistons while also receiving the first All-NBA recognition of his career.
Cunningham is joined on the third team by Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), James Harden (Los Angeles Clippers), Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Knicks) and Jalen Williams (Oklahoma City Thunder).
After years of finishing near the bottom of the league, Cunningham led the Pistons to their best record in nine years. Detroit finished 44-38, as the former No. 1 pick led the way with career averages of 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds through 70 games. The Pistons became the first team in league history to triple their win total in a season.
He also joined three-time MVP winner Nikola Jokic as the only two players this season to average at least 26.0 points and 9.0 assists per game. Cunningham also ended the regular season with the fifth-most triple-doubles at nine.
Cunningham had several moments throughout the season that illustrated his All-NBA-worthy selection. However, his best moment came during the Pistons’ 116-113 comeback victory over the Miami Heat in March. He notched a triple-double of 25 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists while also scoring the game-winning 3-point basket at Kaseya Center.
As a result of his latest accomplishment, Cunningham’s rookie scale extension will now count for 30% of the Pistons’ cap space heading into next season. He is now projected to earn $269.0 million over the next five years. Before the start of his All-NBA campaign, Cunningham’s contract extension was valued at $224 million.
The All-NBA First Team includes Jokić (Denver Nuggets), Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder), Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics).
The All-NBA Second Team includes Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) and Evan Mobley (Cleveland Cavaliers).
Coty.Davis@detroitnews.com
@cotydavis_24
Want to comment on this story? Become a subscriber today. Click here.
