We are just under halfway through the 2024-25 season and it’s been a big one so far for Cade Cunningham.
He’s putting up huge numbers, leading the team to a winning record and finally getting some national attention for his efforts.
Maybe most importantly for Cade is that he is healthy (knock on wood) and has only missed three games this season, something that could factor in heavily when it comes to postseason awards.
Hopefully, Cunningham will make his first All-Star appearance this season but it is no lock, as he is just 7th among guards in the Eastern Conference in the fan voting, though fans thankfully only represent 50 percent of the vote.
There has even been some talk of the All-NBA team, though that may be a tad premature given that Cunningham has yet to play 65 games in a season, which is the minimum to be eligible for the All-NBA team, a harsh reality that has already affected one potential superstar.
Luka Doncic has already been crossed off the All-NBA team for missing too many games, which cleared a possible spot for Cade.
Now it’s Ja Morant, who has also missed more games than is allowed, which opens up yet another possible spot for Cade.
By missing tonight's game, Morant – who has now missed 18 this season – is no longer eligible to earn All-NBA honors this season. https://t.co/74w8Zxh0By
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) January 18, 2025
The list of elite NBA point guards is dwindling, and Cunningham may end up on the All-NBA team by default just by staying healthy.
If he does, he will be rewarded with more than just All-NBA bragging rights.
Cade Cunningham’s contract
If Cade does make the All-NBA team, a possibility whose odds are going up by the day, he’ll be eligible for up to 30 percent of Detroit’s salary cap, a five percent bump, putting millions in his pockets over the course of his contract.
It will be an expensive, but good problem for the Pistons to have, as it means that Cunningham has not only made the leap to one of the elite of the NBA, but also that he stayed healthy for most of the season.
Cunningham is putting up better numbers than Morant anyway, but Ja has more name recognition and his team is currently 3rd in the Western Conference even though he’s only played 24 games.
It will be interesting to see if the NBA keeps this 65-game threshold or alters it slightly, as they are cutting some of the biggest names in the sport out of possible All-NBA status. I get the idea, but the team may no longer represent the best or most talented players but just those who didn't suffer serious injuries.
With Luka and Ja both ruled out, Cunningham’s shot at an All-NBA team and a bunch of money just improved.