After an inspiring preseason, the Detroit Pistons came out flat in their first matchup of the 2025-2026 regular season. Facing a Chicago Bulls team that’s viewe

Several factors will play a role in the Pistons' success this season, but the duo of J.B. Bickerstaff and Cade Cunningham might be the most important.

Through 38 total minutes of preseason play, it’s clear Cade Cunningham is ready to venture into the next phase after last season’s impressive All-NBA campaign. He’s scoring from all three levels, the game seems to have slowed to a snail’s pace from his perspective and it’s evident he believes he’s been the best player on each court he steps onto.

Cunningham will have his first opportunity to start building his MVP case Wednesday night against the Chicago Bulls. This article was originally published on www.si.com/nba/pistons as Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Viewed as Viable MVP Candidate.

Cade Cunningham is ready to lead the Detroit Pistons to new heights. Here are bold predictions for the All-NBA guard’s 2025-26 season.

Cade Cunningham on Detroit Pistons preseason takeaways, his own 3-point shooting, Daniss Jenkins, Jaden Ivey’s injury, Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025.

The Pistons kicked off the preseason in the win column, with Cunningham being a major catalyst. In 19 minutes of action, he notched a stat line of 20 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals on 8-for-11 shooting.

Cunningham has built a successful career following a plant-based diet, which he describes as eating for "fuel and not for taste." He has managed to obtain all the necessary carbohydrates for energy, protein and muscle building at a professional level through his work alongside the Pistons' nutrition team.

Get any of our free daily email newsletters — news headlines, opinion, e-edition, obituaries and more. DETROIT (AP) — Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons took a big step last season. Cunningham went from having an injury-stunted start of his NBA ...