Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham will step onto the court for his second consecutive NBA All-Star Game on Sunday, achieving a target he set years ago. Speaking with Andscape’s Marc J. Spears, the 22-year-old said playing in the 2026 showcase at the Intuit Dome—site of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic basketball tournament—fits into his long-range vision of winning an NBA championship and serving as the United States’ Olympic point guard.
Cunningham has powered first-place Detroit with averages of 25.3 points, 9.6 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 46.2% from the field, 33.0% from three and 80.2% at the line over 46 games (34.9 minutes). Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised the 6-foot-6 floor general’s two-way influence, calling him one of the league’s top five players who impact both ends.
Coaching turnaround in Detroit
In an interview with Heavy.com’s Steve Bulpett, Bickerstaff admitted he did not expect another head-coaching opportunity after Cleveland dismissed him in 2024. Believing no jobs were open, he planned to relocate his family to San Clemente, California, so his children could enroll in a soccer academy. A month away from the bench allowed him to reassess his approach, he said, emphasizing renewed attention to process rather than solely results—an outlook he believes fueled Detroit’s rapid rise.
Siakam reflects on Basketball Without Borders roots
Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam told Mark Medina of EssentiallySports that attending the 2012 Basketball Without Borders camp in Africa introduced him to the NBA and deepened his passion for the sport. Speaking at this year’s BWB All-Star camp at the Lakers’ practice facility, Siakam recalled meeting Luol Deng and Serge Ibaka and said those memories still drive him. The two-time All-Star also discussed becoming a more vocal leader, the influence of injured guard Tyrese Haliburton during his Achilles rehab and his enthusiasm for new starting center Ivica Zubac.
Bulls earn low marks for deadline deals
Chicago Sun-Times columnist Joe Cowley graded the Chicago Bulls a D-plus for their trade-deadline activity, writing that the series of moves came at least one year too late to make a significant impact.
The Central Division developments highlight Cunningham’s ascent, Bickerstaff’s redemption, Siakam’s reflections and continuing skepticism surrounding Chicago’s roster strategy.
Source: Hoops Rumors
