Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has emerged as a significant contender in the NBA as the league nears the start of the 2025-26 season. The NBA’s official ranking of the top 10 Eastern Conference players places Cunningham notably ahead of former MVP Joel Embiid, cementing his growing influence and expectations for the upcoming year. This advancement highlights Cunningham’s development and the renewed optimism surrounding the Pistons franchise.
Cunningham’s Road to Recognition and Consistency
Ranked fifth, Cunningham follows elite players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Donovan Mitchell, and Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero. His leap over Joel Embiid, who holds the sixth position, reflects his solidified role as a franchise player for Detroit. As Cunningham nears his 24th birthday, his trajectory shows steadiness and maturity, validating the faith the Pistons have in their former top pick.
Early in his career, Cunningham faced challenges, including injuries and inconsistency. In his rookie season, he appeared in just 64 games, and his sophomore year was cut short after only 12 contests. Despite these setbacks, his third season showed marked improvement, with averages of 23 points, four rebounds, and eight assists per game, alongside a respectable 36 percent accuracy from three-point range. Nonetheless, his team struggled, finishing with a dismal 14-68 record during that campaign.
Despite mixed fan opinions regarding his value, the Pistons demonstrated unwavering confidence by granting Cunningham a substantial max contract extension last summer. This investment coincided with an upgrade in both his performance and the team‘s support system.
Breakthrough and Impact in Fourth Season
During his fourth year in the league, Cunningham enjoyed healthier stretches and appeared in a career-high 70 games. He delivered impressive statistics, averaging 26 points, nine assists, and six rebounds per outing, maintaining his three-point shooting percentage at 36 percent while attempting six shots from beyond the arc each game. His consistent performance earned him his first All-Star selection, as well as a coveted All-NBA team nod.
This breakthrough season not only improved Cunningham’s standing among the East’s elite but also revitalized the Pistons’ hopes of competitiveness, altering league perceptions and fan attitudes alike.
Detailed Breakdown: Top 10 Eastern Conference Players for 2025-26
The ranked list of the best players in the Eastern Conference begins with Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo at number one. New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson is placed third, followed by Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell at fourth. Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero secures the fourth position, just ahead of Cunningham.
Following Cunningham at number six is Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, a notable veteran and former MVP. Just behind him are Cleveland’s Evan Mobley, Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown, New York’s Karl-Anthony Towns, and Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young filling out the remainder of the top ten.
These rankings reveal a balanced distribution of established superstars and rising talents, with Cunningham now firmly among that elite tier, creating greater expectations for his continued evolution.
The Pressure and Promise for Cunningham Moving Forward
Heading into his fifth NBA season, Cunningham faces increased scrutiny and expectations. As the figurehead of the Detroit Pistons’ resurgence, he must sustain his high level of play while shouldering the responsibility of igniting a once-struggling franchise. The positive trajectory seen in his recent performances and the league’s recognition through this ranking underline the belief that he can meet these challenges.
Cunningham’s improving health, skill growth, and ability to facilitate his team’s offense will be critical factors as the Pistons aim to advance in the tough Eastern Conference landscape. His elevated ranking over a former MVP like Embiid not only boosts his personal profile but also signals a shift in the balance of power and potential in the league.
“He’s looking to top a breakout season in which he confirmed all the projections that follow a former No. 1 overall pick: All-Star, All-NBA and carting a once-lowly franchise to the playoffs. Cunningham was a tough assignment for opposing guards in 2024-25 and the flow in his game seems effortless. He usually makes the right pass, takes the right shot and creates plenty of matchup problems while rarely struggling through bad stretches. Cunningham turns 24 next season and is a franchise player who has the Pistons on the rise.” — NBA Analysts
“https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s top 10 players in the East: 1. Giannis Antetokounmpo 2. Jalen Brunson 3. Donovan Mitchell 4. Paolo Banchero5. Cade Cunningham 6. Joel Embiid 7. Evan Mobley 8. Jaylen Brown 9. Karl-Anthony Towns 10. Trae Young pic.twitter.com/AXTiLq436H” — NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)