$224 million star Cade Cunningham gets highest praise from Kevin Durant

Cade Cunningham has been on a tear with the Detroit Pistons, earning himself high praise from Kevin Durant.

$224 million star Cade Cunningham gets highest praise from Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant had high praise for Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham has easily been the biggest breakout star in the NBA this season. The former no. 1 overall pick from Oklahoma State had an underwhelming start to his career, with his first three seasons riddled with injuries and roster issues. However, things are finally kicking into gear for Cunningham after he earned his first All-Star nod this year, something that Kevin Durant did not fail to take notice of.

Appearing on the NBA’s Hooper Vision broadcast on League Pass, Durant joined hosts Quentin Richardson and Metta World Peace as a guest on the show. During the show, he was asked by Richardson about the season that the Detroit Pistons are having under the leadership of Cade Cunningham. Kevin Durant did not hold back in showering the 23-year-old with praise.

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Special man. He can do it all out there. At the point guard at 6’7”, he’s posting up, he’s shooting the three. He’s got a nice pace, too, I love his game. He’s balling out this year. I was happy to see him become an All-Star.

Kevin Durant said on the broadcast

Against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, Cunningham dropped a near triple-double with 32 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals. He has been a key part of the Pistons stringing together their first seven-game win streak in nearly a decade. That is a miraculous turnaround for the 23-year-old, who had been written off by many after his first three seasons.

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After being drafted first overall in 2021, Cade Cunningham entered a difficult rebuilding situation in Detroit. The roster lacked depth, and injuries plagued his early career. Despite the setbacks, the Pistons never wavered in their belief in Cunningham, rewarding him with a five-year, $224 million max extension last summer. That faith is now paying off. The Pistons currently hold the 6th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 32-26 record so far.

James Harden also doled out high praise to Cade Cunningham

Detroit’s resurgence continued Monday night as the Pistons secured a statement 106-97 win over the Clippers. While LA was missing key players like Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell, Cade Cunningham did not hold back, leading the Pistons to victory. After the game, Clippers guard James Harden heaped high praise on Cunningham.

He had nothing around him. He’s finally healthy, finally has some pieces he can work with—shooters, bigs—and as a result of that, he’s playing like an All-Star, like one of the best players in the league. Kudos to him. He’s done an unbelievable job this year and he’s going to continue to get better.

James Harden said postgame

With averages of 25.8 points, 9.5 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game, Cunningham is proving himself as one of the premier young guards in the NBA. His ability to orchestrate the offense, score efficiently, and elevate his teammates has turned the Pistons from bottom-dwellers to a legitimate playoff contender, and the praise from Harden proves just as much.

For years, the Pistons lacked the necessary talent to support their young star. Moreover, after going through 2 head coaches in just his first 3 seasons, stability was something unheard of for Cade Cunningham. But with improved roster depth, this season and a more stable coaching situation under JB Bickerstaff, the former Cowboys standout is thriving as a first-time All-Star.