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Projected NBA MVP Standings Feature Pistons’ Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham is still on the NBA MVP ladder.
Justin Grasso|
Mar 11, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) defends against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Mar 11, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Wizards forward Corey Kispert (24) defends against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images | David Reginek-Imagn Images

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Detroit Pistons

The NBA MVP race is reaching its final mile of the 2024-2025 NBA season. While Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham won’t be taking home the hardware this year, he remains relevant in the projected standings, proving he could get a positive look for his fifth-year campaign.

NBA.com released the MVP ladder earlier this week, which featured a top three of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

At this point, the league-wide assumption is that Gilgeous-Alexander and Jokic are in a two-man battle for the award. For Gilgeous-Alexander, it would be his first MVP nod. For Jokic, he would take home his fourth since being in the NBA since 2014.

As for Cunningham, he came ninth on the ladder, right behind Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and in front of New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson.

The expectations for Cunningham heading into the 2024-2025 season certainly weren’t high. As the Pistons were coming off of a 14-68 season, Cunningham flew under the radar more often than not.

With the Pistons now competing for a playoff bid and Cunningham landing in the NBA’s All-Star pool, he’s getting a ton of credit for his personal turnaround this year, which was translated to impressive team success.

Cade Cunningha
Mar 9, 2025; Portland, Oregon, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) dunks over Portland Trail Blazers forward Jabari Walker (34) in the second half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images | Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

In 62 games, Cunningham has averaged 26 points on 46 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from three. The veteran guard has dished out nine assists per game and came down with six rebounds per outing.

Heading into Saturday’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Cunningham and the Pistons hold a 37-30 record. They are sixth in the Eastern Conference one season after finishing in last place.

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Pistons Guard on Pace to Join Steph Curry in Exclusive Group

Cade Cunningham Joins Rare Stat Group

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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