Jul 2, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham waits to throw out the first pitch before the game between the Texas Rangers and the Baltimore Orioles at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Pistons Star Cade Cunningham Placed in NBA's Upper Echelon

Originally posted on Detroit Pistons on SI
By Kevin McCormick | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 10:20 AM ET

Four years from being drafted first overall by the Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham has emerged as a star in the NBA. As he continues to build off his dominant showing in 2025, one analyst is ready to place him among the league's top talents.

Cunningham was a major storyline for the Pistons as they completed their historic turnaround last season. He put together a breakout campaign, securing All-Star and All-NBA honors at the age of 23. More importantly, he proved to the Pistons that he can be the primary pillar that they build around for the foreseeable future.

In the midst of his stellar play last season, Cunningham's stock around the league rose astronomically. Still a few years away from his prime, he is seen as someone who is on the cusp of breaking through to the NBA's elite group of superstars.

Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

During a recent episode of his Open Floor podcast, NBA analyst Chris Mannix had on former No. 2 pick Evan Turner to discuss the upcoming season. Mannix also touched on his top ten players in the game right now, placing Cunningham in this exclusive group.

"I think that Cade Cunningham is a top ten guy right now," Mannix said. "I've got Cade Cunningham In my top ten. I made this list even before some of the things I've seen him do in the preseason. Which are already ridiculous. But, I've got Cade Cunningham top ten in the NBA right now."

Chris Mannix on Cade Cunningham

“I think that Cade Cunningham is a top 10 guy right now. I've got Cade Cunningham in my top 10”

Via @SInow pic.twitter.com/LGp5XQyxOP
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) October 13, 2025

As Mannix mentioned, the Pistons star has picked right back up where he left off last year. In his latest preseason outing, he notched 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists on 8-for-14 shooting against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Seeing that Cunningham was just named to an All-NBA team, he certainly belongs in the discussion for top ten players in the league. As a jumbo-sized backcourt talent who does just about everything on the floor, he is the ideal archetype of player who has thrived in the modern NBA.

Seeing that Cunningham was just named to an All-NBA team, he certainly belongs in the discussion for the top ten players in the league. As a jumbo-sized backcourt talent who does just about everything on the floor, he is the ideal archetype of player who has thrived in the modern NBA.

This article first appeared on Detroit Pistons on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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