Pistons guard Cade Cunningham was brilliant in the All-Star game as a facilitator and connector for the league's top young stars. His ability to coexist alongside other high-end talent such as Anthony Edwards and Tyrese Maxey proved that Cade should be the future point guard of team USA. With this performance on a big stage, Cade came one step closer to locking in his spot for the 2028 Olympics.
Cade Cunningham will represent the USA on the international stage
Cade’s performance throughout this season has rightfully garnered him a lot of attention in MVP and All-NBA discussions. He’s leading the best team in the Eastern Conference while being an impact maker on both ends. And his ability to carry the offense as a scorer and playmaker without making a lot of mistakes has been revolutionary for the Pistons.
Cade’s off-court demeanor has also earned him praise. His leadership through franchise-worst seasons has helped the Pistons undergo a historic turnaround. And you can see it elevate his teammates on a nightly basis even when they run into unexpected obstacles.
With all that said, Cade's biggest argument for making team USA is his fit alongside other superstars. We've seen before how the very best players and scorers in the NBA don’t always translate to Olympic excellence if they're unable to thrive in a secondary role. However, Cade has repeatedly shown the skills to succeed as a connector as well as a dominant individual force.
The All-Star game was the latest example as he racked up a full stat line across his minutes played. With his playmaking and unselfish nature, Cade is able to set up scoring superstars with the best of them. And he’s already got the attention of team USA too.
In 2023, Cade led the Team USA Select squad against the main team that was suiting up for the FIBA World Cup. In a scrimmage that went viral, Cade led this ragtag group to a win over the main team. It was a harbinger of things to come for Team USA as they failed to medal at that World Cup.
But Cade’s impact as a winner and facilitator was already on full display. Three years later he’s improved drastically in just about every facet of the game and is still only getting better. In 2028, Cade will be 26 years old just entering his prime and the Games hosted in Los Angeles will be the perfect stage for his Olympic debut.
Cade Cunningham’s ascension into true superstar status has been rapid as he and the Pistons have improved. Time and time again, he’s shown confidence not just on his own team but also among the top dogs of the NBA. His fate as Team USA’s next point guard seems almost inevitable.