Cunningham ranked as top 15 player in the NBA according to ESPN analysts

As the start of the NBA’s season draws even closer, a couple members of the Detroit Pistons landed on a notable ranking of the league’s top 100 players, which was recently released by ESPN. In the first edition of the rankings, Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey were positioned at No. 84 and 85 respectively, and the Pistons’ pair were later joined by star point guard Cade Cunningham near the top of the list. 

Here is how ESPN defended its selection of Cunningham at the No. 13 slot among the league's elite: 

13. Cade Cunningham, G, Detroit Pistons

2024 NBA Rank: 67

In his first taste of postseason basketball, Cunningham absolutely looked up to the task. The young Pistons took a major step forward with a tough first-round playoff series that ultimately ended in a loss to the Knicks. Cunningham was at the forefront of Detroit's turnaround last season, which led to his rise up this list. With more talent surrounding him on the roster, Cunningham looked like the star Detroit envisioned when it selected him No. 1 in 2021, as he earned a spot in the All-Star Game for the first time while averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds. The playoffs are a learning curve for any young star, and Cunningham was no exception, but he'll be worth watching this season to see how he continues to evolve after his first experience playing meaningful NBA games. -- Collier

Signature stat: Cunningham averaged career highs across the board last season while becoming the first Pistons player to average 25 points and nine assists in a season.

Fantasy projection: 26.5 PTS, 6.0 REB, 9.2 AST

While it is factually true that Cunningham is a guard, the Pistons operator does a little bit of everything for the Motown squad and is a triple-double threat each time he steps onto the court. Cunningham has been lauded by teammate Ausar Thompson over the offseason for his ability to make plays even when the first or second option does not present itself, highlighting Cunningham’s creativity and ability to create for others. 

Notably, Cunningham averages north of 25 points per game while dishing out a handful of assists each night, so the Oklahoma State product is the driving engine behind Detroit’s offense and is only adding to his skillset at 24-years old. 

Bleacher Report Sees Logic In Potential Devin Booker To Detroit Pistons Trade The Detroit Pistons could be a logical landing spot for a Western Conference superstar

With another offseason under his belt and the return of guard Jaden Ivey on the horizon, Cunningham is expected to help Detroit contend for the top positions in the Eastern Conference once the postseason rolls around.

In terms of his position among his peers, Cunningham was only bested by guard Jalen Brunson and forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in terms of Eastern Conference players in ESPN’s top 100. So, that means Detroit’s budding superstar is evaluated as the third best player in the East ahead of the 2025-26 campaign, which is a lofty-yet-fitting distinction for the do-it-all Cunningham. 

The Detroit Pistons will begin the pre-season with a contest against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, Oct. 6. 

For more information on the latest Detroit Pistons team or player news, follow @EricJRutter on X for continued basketball coverage.