JB Bickerstaff shares his honest reaction to Cade Cunningham’s All-Star honor

Detroit Pistonsrush hour Cade Cunningham marked another major turning point in his young NBA career. Cunningham was chosen as his own second consecutive NBA All-Star game and will represent the Eastern Conference as a starter.

The fifth-year guard has been one of the biggest catalysts in the Pistons’ 31-10 success and the No. 1 seed in the East. Detroit maintained its success despite the injuries and tough competition throughout the season. Head Coach JB Bickerstaff proudly reflected the feelings Cunningham’s accomplishments before Monday’s game against the Boston Celtics.

“I mean, that’s what we talk about all the time, that’s where the respect comes in, right? When you go out in a league that’s this competitive, with guys that are this competitive, and they respect your game at that level, it just speaks to what he’s accomplished,” Bickerstaff told the media. “The impact he’s had on the game and this team and the organization, the impact he’s had on his teammates, his coaches. He’s done all those things to deserve it. Again, coming from guys you respect, it means a lot.”

Cunningham continues to shine as the NBA’s new star, averaging 25.9 points, 9.6 assists and six rebounds per game. This production helped lead to his first honor as an NBA All-Star starter. Cunningham became the first Pistons player to start an All-Star Game since Allen Iverson in 2009.

Last year, Cunningham made his All-Star debut as a reserve in 2025. Cunningham will now join Giannis Antetokounmpo, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brown and Jalen Branson as the starting five of the Eastern Conference.

Is an All-Star spot next for the Pistons’ Jalen Duren?

The NBA All-Star Reserves will be announced on February 1st. A popular name that has been mentioned for their first All-Star selection is Pistons center Jalen Duren.

Duren made a big jump offensively as a scorer, averaging a career-high 17.8 points per game. His dominance on the glass continued, pulling down nearly 11 rebounds per game. Duren has been a model of consistency with 19 double-doubles this regular season for the Pistons. Bickerstaff talked about what it would mean for Duren to possibly be the second Piston on the All-Star team.

“It means a lot. Part of our job is to help people achieve their dreams and achieve their goals. JD (Jalen Duren) played at that level where he should be an All-Star. When you talk about the steps he’s taken and the numbers he’s getting. Those aren’t empty numbers,” Bickerstaff explained. “We need those numbers to win, and that’s what needs to be recognized. Guys that impact the game at a high level, and JD has done that. The things he’s done defensively, the challenges he’s faced, the way he has to play with the contact he plays through. He goes out there every night to get the job done and help this team win.”

Seven reserves will be selected from each conference. NBA coaches will vote and decide who will be the reserves in the game. Duren’s two-way impact and Detroit’s dominance in the regular season make a strong case for him to be considered.

Cunningham could probably have more company for All-Star weekend in Los Angeles than van Duren. The top teams in each conference have their head coaches involved as in-game coaches. With the Pistons currently being the #1 seed in the East, that means Bickerstaff would be the head coach for the Eastern Conference.