Cade Cunningham On Rivalry With Jalen Green: 'Put Us Up Against Each Other Since High School'

Cunningham scored a game-high 32 points (12-22 FG), grabbed nine rebounds, and provided seven assists in the win over the No. 2-seeded Rockets, proving to everyone that they're a Playoff threat in the East. Green scored 19 points (8-21 FG) in the loss and was clearly outshined by Cunningham.

The Pistons' guard ended high school as the No. 1 prospect for most major recruiting portals, although he was No. 2 on ESPN. Their No. 1? Jalen Green. Cunningham played a season of NCAA basketball for the Oklahoma State Cowboys while Green played in the NBA G League for the Ignite. 

The Pistons chose Cade over Green, a decision that is paying off this season after years of tanking and injury troubles for Cunningham. Cade is averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.3 assists, expected to be named to his first All-Star game.

Green has shown improvement throughout his time in the NBA but hasn't emerged as a bonafide No. 1 option yet. He's averaging 21.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists, being in inspired form for the last three weeks. However, his consistency is still amiss. He's 22 years old, so there's still a lot of room for growth.

Cade Cunningham Gunning For An All-Star Spot

The race for the All-Star game is intensifying as we head into the final days of voting with various first-time All-Stars around the NBA hoping to secure a spot. Cunningham is one of those players, speaking about the same on 'NBA on TNT' and sharing a message to people who haven't voted him in just yet.

"Maybe they haven't watched us play. I know we don't have TV games right now, but if you do get the opportunity, get League Pass and check us out. I could audition for you there." 

"I think our team is playing at a higher level. We're winning games, competing for the Playoffs, and that's what everyone wanted from the Pistons this year. We wanted growth. Our team is doing better and better, and I'm trying to lead them."

Cunningham is a worthy All-Star in my opinion and should make the game even with strong competition with guards like Donovan Mitchell, Jalen Brunson, Darius Garland, Tyler Herro, Trae Young, and more. 

The Pistons' rise was not something anybody saw coming and Cunningham should get an All-Star nod as validation for the incredible turnaround he's led the franchise on after setting the NBA's longest losing streak last year.