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NBA Legend’s Honest Reaction to Cade Cunningham’s All-Star Nod

Cade Cunningham has a supporter in NBA legend, Charles Barkley.
Justin Grasso|
Jan 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Jan 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

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Detroit Pistons

As the NBA on TNT crew ripped open envelopes with the names of each NBA All-Star reserve, there were smiles across the desk when Cade Cunningham’s name was called.

The Detroit Pistons star landed his first All-Star nod after a tough start to his career.

Before they quickly moved on to the next nominee, NBA legend Charles Barkley commented with his honest reaction to hearing Cunningham’s name get called.

“I’m so happy for that kid,” said the NBA legend.

Recently, Cunningham showed up on the set and discussed his 2024-2025 NBA season with the crew. He found out how Shaquille O’Neal felt right then and there as the former superstar center made it clear he believed Cunningham would be an All-Star this year.

“You’re an All-Star to me—playing fabulous,” said O’Neal. “I know what an All-Star is, and I’m telling you to your face, you are an All-Star. If I had a vote, I would definitely vote you in.”

Last week, the NBA revealed the 10 All-Star starters, which didn’t include Cunningham. New York’s Jalen Brunson and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell got the nod as Eastern Conference backcourt starters.

Cade Cunningham
Jan 29, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

However, the NBA on TNT crew was very confident in Cunningham’s chances of locking up a reserve spot, as they cast a prediction for him to get in.

On Thursday, it became official. In year four, Cunningham is an All-Star.

In 43 games, Cunningham has averaged 25 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. He’s been making 45 percent of his shots from the field and draining 36 percent of his threes.

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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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