Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images

Cade Cunningham now told he has ‘Luka Doncic quality’ after incredible preseason performances

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By James Shearman | Last updated Oct 13, 2025 12:14 PM ET

Cade Cunningham emerged as one of the best players in the NBA last season, leading the Detroit Pistons to the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Cunningham averaged 26 points, six rebounds, and nine assists in the regular season, helping the Pistons win 44 games.

Detroit lost to the New York Knicks in a hard-fought first-round playoff series, but they still had an excellent season.

Cunningham and the Pistons have continued to impress in their two preseason games against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Milwaukee Bucks.

The point guard has scored a combined 46 points in 37 minutes and earned comparisons to Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic.

Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Chris Mannix compares Cade Cunningham to Luka Doncic

Chris Mannix recently named Cunningham as a top 10 player in the NBA, and he feels even more strongly about him after watching the Pistons in preseason.

The 24-year-old was by far the best player on the floor against the Grizzlies and the Bucks, and so expectations are high ahead of the new season.

Mannix has even compared Cunningham to Luka Doncic, describing him as “the Luka of the East” on his podcast with Evan Turner.

“There is a Luka Doncic quality to his game,” he explained. “He doesn’t play with overwhelming speed, but when he gets you on his hip, it’s a wrap. When he’s able to put you in the position he wants you in, it’s over.

“Last year was the year that I saw him put it all together. I had some questions about his toughness early in his career.

“He dealt with injuries early in his career, but last year, watching him play the way he did from start to finish, as a scorer, a shooter, a playmaker, he’s the Luka of the East for lack of a better comparison.”

Evan Turner adds to Cade Cunningham-Luka Doncic comparison

Evan Turner agreed with Mannix’s take on Cunningham, adding that he is in better physical shape and plays more defense.

“Emphasize ‘playmaker’. He can get you 25 or 30 points and then get you 10 or 11 assists. He’s not turning it over as much.

“You can see the coach has a lot of faith in him. He really runs that team like a veteran. Once he gets you on his hip, he plays at a different pace.

“If you compare him to Luka, he’s probably in a bit better shape and takes a little more pride on defense. But Luka is goated, so I don’t ever want to disrespect Luka. You’re not crazy for that.”

However, Cunningham needs to prove himself in the playoffs before he can be held in the same regard as Doncic overall.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: