Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski ~ Imagn Images
DETROIT, MICH. ~ The Detroit Pistons’ resurgence hit another milestone this week as guard Cade Cunningham was named to the All-NBA First Team and center Jalen Duren earned All-NBA Third Team honors. It’s the second All-NBA selection of Cunningham’s young career and the first for Duren, highlighting just how quickly Detroit’s core has developed into one of the league’s most impactful duos. After years of rebuilding, the Pistons now find themselves firmly among the NBA’s elite, backed by individual recognition that reflects their team success.
Cunningham spearheaded that rise with a season defined by control, leadership and versatility. He averaged 23.9 points, 9.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds while guiding Detroit to a 60-22 record and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. His near-10 assists per game ranked second in the NBA, and his ability to consistently create for others while still scoring placed him in rare historical company. Night after night, Cunningham dictated pace and delivered in big moments, reinforcing his status as one of the game’s premier guards.
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(CONTINUED) Beyond the numbers, Cunningham’s impact showed up in defining performances. His 46-point triple-double against Washington and a 42-point outing at Madison Square Garden were reminders of his ability to take over games entirely. He also contributed defensively, holding opposing players to 43% shooting as a primary defender while posting career highs in steals and blocks. That all-around effort made him not just the engine of Detroit’s offense, but one of its most reliable two-way players.
While Cunningham ran the offense, Duren established dominance inside. The fourth-year center averaged a career-high 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds on 65% shooting, making him one of the most productive big men in the league. His physical presence in the paint, particularly as an offensive rebounder and finisher, gave Detroit a consistent interior anchor. Together, Cunningham and Duren powered a historic turnaround, taking the Pistons from a 60-loss team to a 60-win contender in two seasons, signaling that Detroit’s rebuild is no longer a work in progress but a finished product ready to compete at the highest level.
