Pistons Coach Bickerstaff Says Cade Cunningham Is the NBA’s MVP Front-Runner
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Speaking before Friday’s game, Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff made a forceful case for Cade Cunningham to capture the league’s Most Valuable Player award. “He deserves it,” Bickerstaff said, noting that the guard is “the best player on the team with the best win percentage” and excels on both ends of the floor. Bickerstaff pointed out Cunningham’s willingness to guard opponents’ top perimeter threats while still averaging 25 points per night, ranking second in assists and thriving in late-game situations.
The 22-year-old is posting 25.4 points, a career-high 9.8 assists, 5.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.0 block per contest.
Roster Notes
Jalen Duren: The All-Star center told Andscape’s Marc J. Spears he never considered leaving during Detroit’s franchise-worst 2023/24 campaign. “I hang my hat on loyalty,” Duren said, adding that he always believed the team could improve once it gained experience and added the right pieces.
Marcus Sasser and Kevin Huerter: Neither guard is currently in the regular rotation, but Bickerstaff expects that to change during a packed March schedule. “We’ve got a ton of games in March where everybody will get an opportunity,” he said. Sasser logged 11 minutes in Friday’s overtime win against Cleveland but went scoreless.
Isaiah Stewart: Serving a seven-game suspension for his role in a pre-All-Star-break altercation with Charlotte, the forward told ESPN’s Vince Goodwill he patterns his game after Hall of Famer Ben Wallace. “He paved the way for us undersized guys,” Stewart said.
Daniss Jenkins: Recently elevated from a two-way contract to a two-year, $8 million deal, the rookie guard buried three free throws after being fouled on a late three-point attempt Friday, helping Detroit force overtime and beat the Cavaliers. Bickerstaff praised his poise, saying Jenkins has been “productive and effective” whenever called upon.
Source: Hoops Rumors
