Cade Cunningham

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Justin Grasso

By Justin Grasso

Contributing Sports Writer

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is putting another impressive season together, earning his second-straight All-Star nod.

It took some time for the former No. 1 pick to enter the NBA’s superstar tier, but Cunningham has surely earned his stripes over the past year and some change. On Friday night, Cunningham landed the ultimate stamp of approval from Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

The Pistons star was compared to two future legends of the game.

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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 24: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball in the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 24, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

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Kerr Drops a Major Comparison

“He’s awesome,” the head coach told reporters on Friday.

“He reminds me of Luka [Doncic] and James Harden. Just kind of a one-man offense, running everything through him. He’s a great, great player, really coming into his own.

Those are two names that don’t need an explanation, but we’ll go there anywhere.

Harden has been a pioneer of his era, becoming one of the league’s most prolific high-volume scorers. In 2018, he was crowned the NBA’s Most Valuable Player. He has 11 All-Star nods and eight All-NBA accolades. He also led the league in scoring three times and was a two-time assist leader as well.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 29: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles during the first quarter against the New York Knicks in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

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Doncic is very similar to Harden with his high-usage scoring, but came years after him through the Euro circuit. In 2018, Doncic was drafted third overall from Real Madrid. He spent the first chunk of his career with the Dallas Mavericks. There was never really a question about his status as a top scorer in the game. As a rookie, he averaged 21.2 points. Since then, he has hovered around the 30-point mark while nearly averaging a triple-double.

More NBA: Luka Doncic Makes Lakers History, Matching Feat Only LeBron James Has Achieved

Last season, Cunningham was top three in triple-doubles. He produced 26.1 points per game, while averaging 9.1 assists and 6.1 rebounds. This year, his numbers are within the same range, while he’s currently on pace to win his first assists champion title. Cunningham is posting averages of 25.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 9.7 assists, while shooting 45 percent from the field.

Kerr watched Cunningham drop 29 points, making it a double-double with 11 assists in a 131-124 win for the Pistons on Friday. He didn’t love the results—being on the wrong end of the scoreboard—but Kerr appreciates a respectable player. Cunningham has now become one worth talking about for one of the best coaches the NBA has seen.

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