JB Bickerstaff recently sang Cade Cunningham's praises to the highest degree when he compared him to Stephen Curry and Tim Duncan as a culture-setter. Both of those legends are multi-time champions and the catalysts of dominant NBA dynasties. Cade's talent on the court always stands out, but Bickerstaff emphasized his character and leadership as well.
JB Bickerstaff on Cade Cunningham
— Anthony (@anthonyjc92) October 21, 2025
"I don't say this lightly, but I put him in the level of the Tim Duncans and the Steph Currys, the way that, you know, they carried the culture of their organization and brought other people along with them." pic.twitter.com/WgGmOeCTq8
Cade Cunningham is the Pistons' leader
Cade is not only the Pistons' best player, but also the culture-setter on the court and in the locker room. Despite being just 24 years old, he is the second longest-tenured player on the team (only behind Isaiah Stewart) and has seen the Pistons at franchise-worst lows before last season's resurgence.
The franchise would not have been able to bounce back from an all-time worst losing streak and record without strong leadership from the top down. Bickerstaff himself was instrumental in establishing a resilient culture as the head coach. But it could not have happened without buy-in from Cade and the team believing in his brilliance too.
Cade's playstyle on the court makes it easy for teammates to follow his lead and play hard. His balance of elite scoring and playmaking allows him to set up teammates when they excel in their role, but also not overly rely on them. Cade is just as capable of getting his own tough baskets at any time, but he's learning to get easier shots in the flow of the offense.
The Pistons' success this season will rely on consistent defensive effort from everyone on the court. Cade will have a crucial role to play in not just being an active defender himself but also motivating his teammates to continue giving their all. The Pistons want to not only play tough defense, but also run on the fastbreak after getting stops - a style of play that requires even more effort. We saw the payoff from that relentless style in last season's playoffs but it is hard to maintain without high morale.
Cade naturally inspires confidence on the court. His laid-back demeanor and nonchalant dominance show his team that he can handle any adversity. His distinct lack of complaining for fouls also stands out among today's stars, and leads to honest play from all of the Pistons. In the playoffs, this mentality will pay off both individually and as a team when more physicality is allowed by the referees.
Every NBA team needs a strong team culture to reach the highest levels. Fortunately for the Pistons, they have a superstar who leads the way in creating that culture. Cade Cunningham's impact on the team has led to their unity and resilience. His coach is appreciative enough to compare him to two of the league's best-ever leaders, but Cade still needs to achieve higher heights before reaching their status.