Cade Cunningham, already the best American player in the NBA?
NBA - Cade Cunningham is putting up incredible numbers with the Detroit Pistons and has entered the MVP conversation. In First Team's NBA Open Mic, the question is asked directly: Is Cade Cunningham already the best American (meaning US-born) player in the NBA?
Feb 23, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dribbles on San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : © Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
This Tuesday, First Team unveiled a new episode of its NBA Open Mic focused on Cade Cunningham, leader of the Detroit Pistons, who is having an exceptional season. Between MVP-caliber statistics, a statement win at Madison Square Garden and meteoric progression, the point guard is making his case in the discussions. But is it enough to already surpass Anthony Edwards in the hierarchy of American (US-born) players?
Cade Cunningham, a dominant season with the Detroit Pistons
With 25.5 points, 9.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game, Cade Cunningham is having the best season of his career, even though his last game against San Antonio (5/26 shooting) certainly got people talking. The Texan is carrying a transformed Detroit Pistons team, far from the struggling squad of three years ago.
Erwan Abautret recalls in the show a memory from 2021, before the Draft: « We talked about this player with Envergure, and they told me, he’s a generational player. I had trouble visualizing it. Since then, he’s become a top-level player. He already has the attitude of a great player. His team was the worst in the NBA three years ago, he never complained. In his leadership role he is perfect. »
The media breakthrough? A signature game against the New York Knicks, dominated from start to finish, with 42 points scored at Madison Square Garden. Thomas Dufant remembers it: « The game I saw, where New York is completely dominated, at the end there’s a 20-point gap, Cade Cunningham finishes with 42 points, he is magnificent in his leadership. When I see him capable of destroying OG Anunoby, one of the toughest defenders, I was very impressed. »
For Erwan Abautret, the trajectory seems clear: « He feels the game. I love seeing his evolution of the game. When I saw him play against the Knicks, I said to myself this is a guy who will go to the NBA Finals, who can be champion, who can be MVP. There are moments where there are shifts, attitudes where you say: there’s him and the others. And this season we see that with Cade Cunningham. He never takes the easy way out and that’s one of his qualities. »
A credible MVP this season?
The debate naturally shifts to the MVP race. Erwan Abautret is categorical: « We need to prepare for it. He has MVP stats, he has the best record in the league, he’s put up big performances. Dropping 42 points at Madison Square Garden leaves an impression. Obviously we have to consider him. He has nothing to envy from Luka, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis… »
Andy, a regular contributor to the NBA Open Mic, agrees: « For me clearly, because of his team’s record and the fact that he’s the best player on that team. Everything he shows. There’s something that’s always impressed me about him, it’s that he makes it look easy. I’ve never seen him force it. He’s a player who does so much good for his team. Around him, everyone shines because he’s there. »
He even imagines Detroit capable of going very far: « There are enormous expectations. They absolutely have the weapons to beat just about anyone. Defense wins games and there aren’t many defenses better than Detroit’s. »
Anthony Edwards, still ahead?
The central question remains: Is Cade Cunningham already the best American player in the NBA?
Andy provides nuance: « Anthony Edwards has a very good reputation on that. Beyond the stats of what you do on the court, there’s also the extra stuff, and Edwards is very flashy, so I think he can get more votes. People will see themselves more in him than in Cade, who is more discreet. »
Erwan Abautret makes a provisional decision: « Anthony Edwards already played with Team USA at the Olympics, that’s 2 conference finals appearances, so I’m going to say Anthony Edwards. It won’t be set in stone, but for me today, he has an edge over Cade Cunningham. In the Western Conference, let’s not forget how hard it is to reach the conference finals twice in a row. »
Same conclusion for Thomas Dufant: « Anthony Edwards is ahead because he has more credentials. The 2 playoff runs, Team USA. Factually, it would be bold to say that Cade Cunningham is above Anthony Edwards. We’re waiting to see Cade win playoff rounds. »
So the debate is on. Statistically and collectively, Cade Cunningham already checks many boxes. Historically and in terms of playoff credentials, Anthony Edwards maintains a slight lead. The end of the season and upcoming playoff campaigns could completely reshuffle the cards.
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