Dirk Nowitzki and Cade Cunningham (Photo by Imagn Images)

Cade Cunningham Shares Respectful Message to Dirk Nowitzki in Special Tribute Moment

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Debmallya Chakraborty | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 10:52 AM ET

Cade Cunningham has been in some sublime form this season. Donning the Detroit Pistons colors, Cunningham has been looking like a potential MVP candidate. Continuing his fine form, the Pistons star dropped 11 points as Detroit registered a convincing 118-80 victory over the New York Knicks.

Now, growing up, Cunningham was a huge fan of the Dallas Mavericks’ legend, Dirk Nowitzki. Following their victory, the Pistons’ star caught up with the Amazon Prime crew. And much to his delight, he got a chance to send a very special message to his childhood hero.

“That means, you don’t know how much that means to me. I mean, growing up, Dirk, you already know, you was the man, my city, man. So appreciate everything you did for us, for sure. I’m glad you enjoyed my game,” said Cunningham.

Cade showing some love to the #NBAonPrime studio crew

Appreciate the love from the Pistons All-Star ️❤️ pic.twitter.com/Beq7DXXU9s
— NBA on Prime (@NBAonPrime) February 7, 2026

Well, Nowitzki was left mightily impressed with the 24-year-old’s performance. Playing in 44 games so far, Cunningham has averaged 25.4 points, 9.8 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, as Cunningham is being touted as one of the NBA’s emerging two-way stars, he recently explained the Pistons’ championship mindset in the league.

Cade Cunningham Was Happy With the Pistons’ Approach Against the Boston Celtics Last Year

Cade Cunningham (Image Credits: Imagn)

Back in December 2025, Detroit squared off against the Boston Celtics. While the Celtics were one of the best NBA teams, the Pistons needed to be on their toes. Thankfully, after edging out a Tatum-less Boston, Cunningham was happy to see the championship mindset reflected within the team.

“They’re a championship team; they’ve got a championship identity. They play a great brand of basketball, so it’s always a test for us. It’s a game we love coming in for because we know they’re going to test us,” Cunningham said.

Cade Cunningham on being named an All-Star Starter and what it means to beat a great team like Boston!

16 PTS, 14 AST, and 0 TO in the W vs. the Celtics! pic.twitter.com/EQIS0waah8
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2026