Cade Cunningham starts in the All-Star game, in a show of respect for the Pistons

Waiting to see if Jalen Duren will also be invited, the Pistons are already guaranteed to have a representative at the All-Star Game: Cade Cunningham. After being selected as a substitute for the first time last year, the leader of Detroit will start this time.

« Obviously, being named an All-Star starter is a blessing. I am very grateful for that. Thanks to my team, my coaches, fans and everyone who voted for me. This means a lot to my family and me », the Pistons player reacts after the win against the Celtics.

A selection that has no dispute for a player who is averaging 25.7 points, 5.9 rebounds and 9.8 assists per game this season. His turnover rate is the second highest behind Nikola Jokic and the highest for a Pistons player since former hometown legend Ice Thomas in 1986/87.

Also, Cade Cunningham becomes Detroit’s first All-Star selection since Allen Iverson in 2009. What sealed his selection was being voted No. 1 in the East by other players in the league, the Electoral College casting 25% of the final vote.

« More than anything, what you’re looking for is the respect of your peers, so that means a lot to me. It is simply a testament to the success we have together “, says the 24-year-old player.

“He did everything he had to do to deserve this.”

« When you play in a competitive league like that, with guys who have that competitive spirit and respect your game so much, it speaks volumes for what he’s accomplished and the impact he’s had on the game, on this team and on the organization. The influence he has on his teammates, on his coaches… He did everything it took to deserve this. To receive this recognition from guys you respect is very powerful. », testifies his trainer JB Bickerstaff.

At the same time, his popularity and that of his team are on the rise, driven by an exceptional first half of the season. Detroit especially left its mark with a series of 13 consecutive victories, three convincing successes against the Celtics, a prestigious victory on the floor of the Lakers, or even a sound revenge against the Knicks, who eliminated them in the last playoffs.

Above all, even though they weren’t expected at such a level, Michigan’s players are firmly planted at the top of their conference. With a record of 31 wins and 10 losses, they are even five wins ahead of their pursuers, the Celtics (26 wins – 16 losses).

« The league has a duty to respect that. Being #1 in the East, night after night, and finding ways to get wins. The league respects that and that’s what I appreciate. That’s what we all want: to be respected by those we play against. », continues Cade Cunningham, whose name is also mentioned for the MVP trophy.

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.