Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Cade Cunningham

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Cade Cunningham made an impact.

Cade Cunningham is an American professional basketball player currently with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. He was a highly-rated five-star recruit coming out of high school, playing initially at Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas, before transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida. His senior year saw him lead one of the best high school teams and earn national player of the year awards, setting the stage for his professional career.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2012: Marcus Smart Joins Oklahoma State

In 2012, Marcus Smart joined Oklahoma State as a five-star recruit. Cunningham became the first five-star recruit to join Oklahoma State since Marcus Smart.

2013: Anthony Bennett's NBA Debut

In 2013, Anthony Bennett had two points in his NBA debut. Cunningham's two points in his NBA debut were the fewest scored in a No. 1 pick's NBA debut since Anthony Bennett.

February 2, 2019: Notable Performance at National Hoopfest Tournament

On February 2, 2019, at the National Hoopfest tournament, Cade Cunningham recorded 26 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in a 76–51 win against Oak Hill Academy while playing for Montverde Academy.

November 5, 2019: Commits to Oklahoma State

On November 5, 2019, Cade Cunningham announced his commitment to Oklahoma State. He became the highest-ranked committed recruit in program history and the first five-star recruit to join Oklahoma State since Marcus Smart in 2012.

June 2020: Decides to Stay with Oklahoma State Despite Postseason Ban

In June 2020, after the NCAA imposed a postseason ban on Oklahoma State, Cade Cunningham announced on June 22 that he would still play for the team.

November 25, 2020: College Debut for Oklahoma State

On November 25, 2020, Cade Cunningham recorded 21 points and 10 rebounds in a 75–68 win over UT Arlington in his college debut for Oklahoma State.

2020: Rated Top Player in 2020 Class

In 2020, Cade Cunningham was rated as a consensus five-star recruit and among the top players in the 2020 class by major recruiting services after transferring to Montverde Academy in Florida.

February 27, 2021: Career-High 40 Points Against Oklahoma

On February 27, 2021, Cade Cunningham posted a career-high 40 points and 11 rebounds in a 94–90 overtime win against Oklahoma, earning him Oscar Robertson National Player of the Week honors.

March 12, 2021: Upset Win Against Baylor in Big 12 Tournament Semifinals

On March 12, 2021, Cade Cunningham posted 25 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in an 83–74 upset win against top-seeded Baylor in the Big 12 tournament semifinals.

April 1, 2021: Declares for the NBA Draft

On April 1, 2021, Cade Cunningham announced that he would enter the 2021 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility. Analysts regarded him as the consensus number one pick in the draft.

2021: Drafted First Overall by the Detroit Pistons

In 2021, Cade Cunningham was drafted with the first overall pick of the NBA draft by the Detroit Pistons.

2021: NBA First Overall Pick

In 2021, Cade Cunningham was the NBA first overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the NBA draft.

January 25, 2022: Joins Michael Jordan with Stat Line

On January 25, 2022, Cade Cunningham recorded 34 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and two steals in a 110–105 loss to the Denver Nuggets, joining Michael Jordan as the only rookies in NBA history to post such a stat line.

February 18, 2022: Named MVP of Rising Stars Challenge

On February 18, 2022, Cade Cunningham was named MVP of the Rising Stars Challenge.

October 28, 2022: Career-High 35 Points vs Atlanta Hawks

On October 28, 2022, Cade Cunningham scored a career-high 35 points alongside nine rebounds and eight assists in a 132–116 loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

October 25, 2023: Game-High 30 Points in Season Opener

On October 25, 2023, Cade Cunningham had a game-high 30 points and nine assists in 103–102 loss to the Miami Heat in the 2023-24 season opener.

July 10, 2024: Signs $224 Million Contract Extension

On July 10, 2024, the Pistons signed Cade Cunningham to a five-year, $224 million contract extension.

November 8, 2024: Triple-Double and Game-Winning Floater vs Hawks

On November 8, 2024, Cade Cunningham recorded a triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists alongside a game-winning floater in a 122–121 win over the Atlanta Hawks.

January 10, 2025: 7th Triple-Double of the Season

On January 10, 2025, Cade Cunningham had his 7th triple-double of the season in a 123–114 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

April 19, 2025: First Postseason Game and Playoff Triple-Double

On April 19, 2025, Cade Cunningham played his first postseason game against the New York Knicks, recording 21 points, 12 assists, and 6 rebounds in a 112–123 loss and also in game 4 of the playoffs, Cunningham had 25 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his first playoff triple-double in a 94–93 loss against the New York Knicks.