Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff highlighted the significant Cade Cunningham leadership impact following a remarkable turnaround for the team during the 2024-25 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season. After the Pistons endured a dismal 14-68 record the previous year, Cunningham’s guidance helped propel Detroit to a 44-38 finish, securing the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and drastically improving by 30 wins.
This sudden rise was fueled by Cunningham’s commitment to fostering a winning culture in just his fourth professional year. Bickerstaff pointed to the 23-year-old guard’s ability to inspire his teammates both on and off the court as a major factor behind the team’s unexpected success.
How Cunningham’s Character Eased Coaching Challenges
During an interview on the Chris Vernon Show, Bickerstaff praised Cunningham not only for his basketball skills but notably for his outstanding leadership qualities. The coach described how Cunningham’s attitude helped maintain a positive environment in the locker room and during games.
The thing that made my job easier is, as good of a basketball player as Cade Cunningham is, he’s a better leader and a person,
Bickerstaff said.
So, I would relay messages to him about how we wanted to move every day, how we wanted to be positive. You know, we weren’t putting up with any b*tching, complaining, all that stuff. So, there were times in games where guys would do it, and Cade would grab them and be like, ‘Yo, coach said we’re not b*tching here. So, if you want to b*tch, you can go somewhere else.’
But that’s real, you know what I mean? So, when he does that, for me, now my job is easy. Yeah, so I say what I say, and then he carries it out and he lives it.
With Cunningham taking on this leadership role, Bickerstaff found his task more manageable, allowing him to focus on strategy while trusting Cunningham to uphold the team’s standards. This influence extended beyond motivation, helping Detroit secure their first playoff wins since 2008.
Cunningham’s On-Court Excellence Reinforces Leadership Role
Beyond fostering discipline and positivity, Cunningham’s on-court performance solidified his standing as a franchise cornerstone. In 70 games, he averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, 9.1 assists, one steal, and 2.1 made three-pointers per game, shooting nearly 47% from the field. This career-best production earned him his first All-Star selection and placement on the All-NBA third team.
Such statistics underscore how Cunningham blends talent with leadership, setting an example that teammates can follow both in competitive play and in daily work habits.
Elevating Teammates: Cunningham’s Unique Influence
Bickerstaff emphasized that Cunningham’s leadership extends by uplifting those around him rather than dominating the spotlight. Despite handling a large share of the offense, Cunningham is careful to ensure teammates thrive alongside him.
What makes him special is, I say this to people, he can be great and not take your breath away as his teammate,
Bickerstaff explained.
Like, he doesn’t have to eat what’s on your plate to be great. He makes sure that your plate is full, even though he’s doing his thing.
This collaborative approach enhances the Pistons’ overall chemistry and bodes well for the team’s future competitiveness in the Eastern Conference.
Outlook for Detroit’s Rising Core and the Eastern Conference
With players like Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Jalen Duren developing alongside Cunningham, Detroit appears primed to build on its recent progress. The Eastern Conference, facing challenges from injuries on teams like the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers, presents an open opportunity for the Pistons to emerge as a contender.
If Detroit’s young stars continue their upward trajectories, the franchise could reach a milestone not seen since the 2007-08 season by claiming a 50-win campaign, marking a new era of sustained success.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Cade Cunningham still vegan?
A. Cade Cunningham, who plays for the Detroit Pistons, has avoided animal products since high school. The only exception was during the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Greece. In 2021, he explained to ESPN that they were unfamiliar with the local food options there.