Why Cade Cunningham is like Neo from The Matrix, according to JB Bickerstaff
Cade Cunningham was named an All-Star for the second time in his career this season. The former No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has emerged as a true superstar for the Detroit Tigers. During the All-Star break, the head coach JB Bickerstaff revealed who he compares Cunningham to.
When asked about the comparison for the 25-year-old point guard, Bickerstaff surprisingly compared him to Neothe popular character played by Keanu Reeves in The Matrix franchise, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. However, Bickerstaff believes that Cunningham is more like Neo later in the series, when he discovers his true talents.
“Bickerstaff has a comp for Cunningham. ‘Neo,’ he says. ‘From The Matrix.’ Not early Neo, the overwhelmed character played by Keanu Reeves, who was thrust into reality. The one in the later films, says Bickerstaff, “who realized He was The One.”
When asked about the comparison, Cade Cunningham admits he’s not sure exactly when he figured out how to play in the NBA. The five-year veteran claimed the game around him is slowing down, allowing the Pistons star to make smart decisions on the court.
“I don’t know. I feel like everything has slowed down,” Cunningham said. “I feel sharper every year. I feel like I’m one of the best ball processors.”
After finishing seventh in MVP voting last season, Cade Cunningham seems to have moved on his high level of play in the 2025-26 campaign. In 47 games played so far this season, Cunningham is averaging a career-high 25.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.6 assists per game while shooting 46.2% from the floor and 33.0% from the three-point line.
2026-02-17 20:20:00
