Cade Cunningham ‘Not Shy’ Putting Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Notice With Strikingly Bold MVP Statement

Detroit Pistons v Denver Nuggets - Source: Getty
Detroit Pistons v Denver Nuggets - Source: Getty

Amidst the incredible play of Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Victor Wembanyama this season, Cade Cunningham has made plenty of noise as the leader of the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons. Naturally, Cunningham's name has come up in the MVP conversation as well.

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In an appearance on "NBA on ESPN," the Pistons star was asked by Vincent Goodwill if MVP honors were on his "radar" this season. Cunningham admitted that the MVP award was indeed an active thought in his consciousness.

"Yeah, I mean...if I can help this team get to where my goal is to get this team, I think all that stuff will be on the way," Cunningham told Goodwill. "I'm not shy to say that. I think that's very possible."
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Cunningham, who is averaging 27.1 ppg, 6.0 rpg, and 9.6 apg this season, went on to explain that he has other priorities that weigh more heavily on his mind.

"This season is not about winning the MVP for me, though," he clarified. "This season is about winning a Finals, more than anything. A Finals MVP, I'd be way more happy about than an MVP."
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The number one pick of the 2021 NBA draft is in his fifth season as the floor general of the Pistons, who ended a five-year drought last season by booking an outright seat in the playoffs. Though the New York Knicks ended up winning their first-round series in six games, Cunningham and his teammates demonstrated how effectively they could play in the postseason.

This season, no other team can lay claim to 13 consecutive wins other than Detroit. While regular season brilliance is a sweet prize to achieve, Cunningham has made it clear that he has an even grander goal in mind.

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"We deserve to win these games": Cade Cunningham reflects on Pistons' winning streak this season

In another ESPN appearance on Wednesday, Cunningham was asked by Malika Andrews to reflect on the Pistons' impressive streak. The 6-foot-6 guard answered with a tone of utmost confidence.

"We've been winning these games because we deserve to win these games," Cunningham replied.
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Cunningham added that the Pistons' record this season "didn't happen by accident," as his team's hard work is now "coming to fruition."

Pistons Fan? Check out the latest Detroit Pistons depth chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.

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Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado
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