Detroit's franchise saviour — first overall pick and the most complete young point guard of his draft class.
Cade Cunningham was born in Humble, Texas in 2001. Detroit Pistons selected him first overall in the 2021 NBA Draft after one season at Oklahoma State. His career average of 22.7 points and 8.0 assists per game through three full seasons establishes him as the most productive young point guard drafted first overall since LeBron James. He missed the entire 2022-23 season with a stress fracture in his tibia, then returned in 2023-24 to lead Detroit to his most wins in years. He led the league in assists in the 2024-25 season. He won Olympic gold with the USA at Paris 2024. His combination of size (6ft 6in), vision, scoring versatility and defensive capability makes him genuinely unique among point guards of his generation — he can score in the post against smaller guards, shoot over taller forwards and create for teammates against any defensive configuration. He is considered by many talent evaluators as the most complete guard prospect to enter the NBA in the 2020s decade.
First overall NBA draft pick, versatile point guard
How They Played
Versatile point guard with excellent court vision and scoring ability
Lasting Impact
Rising star point guard with strong all-around skills
All-NBA Third Team
Career Honours
- All-NBA Third Team
- Olympic Gold Medal (2024)