Cade Cunningham
Mentioned in 70 analyzed podcast episodes across 9 shows
A Detroit Pistons point guard and emerging MVP candidate whose efficient playmaking and scoring—averaging 25+ PPG and 10+ APG—have been central to the team's transformation from a 14-win franchise into an Eastern Conference contender. Podcasters regularly analyze his performance as the primary variable determining the Pistons' playoff viability, with particular focus on his efficiency against elite defenses and his leadership role alongside co-star Jalen Duren. His rise has drawn comparisons to Derek Rose's 2011 MVP season, making him a frequent subject in MVP discussions and Eastern Conference championship debates.
Appears On
Episode Appearances
First Take · Apr 16, 2026
Hour 2: What Does Kawhi Leonard's Future Hold?
“Became eligible for postseason awards after collapsed lung exception to 65-game threshold”
First Take · Apr 16, 2026
Hour 1: Who was More Impressive in Win: Steph or Draymond?
“Discussed as key player for number-one seed Pistons; injury status relevant to playoff contention”
Nightcap · Apr 13, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Nuggets BEAT Spurs in SEASON FINALE + Lakers vs Rockers PLAYOFF PREVIEW + Sixers vs Magic + Detroit Basketball is BACK
“Key player in Pistons' resurgence from 14-68 to 60-win season; discussed as playoff-ready”
Club Shay Shay · Apr 13, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Nuggets BEAT Spurs in SEASON FINALE + Lakers vs Rockers PLAYOFF PREVIEW + Sixers vs Magic + Detroit Basketball is BACK
“Discussed as part of Pistons' surprising 60-win turnaround and playoff readiness”
Club Shay Shay · Apr 13, 2026
Nightcap Hour 2: Colton Hood JOINS Nightcap + Wemby WEIGHS IN on 65-Game RULE + How OFTEN do NBA STARS play on TV? + Anonymous NBA Player MVP Poll + Doc Rivers OUT as Head Coach
“Discussed as ineligible for MVP awards due to games played falling below 65-game threshold”
Nightcap · Apr 11, 2026
Best of NFL News Part 1: HEATED DEBATE: KD or Ant Man to lead their team in the playoffs?! Giannis' FAKE LOVE for Bucks is only for his Nike shoe contract!
“Returned from collapsed lung injury, discussed as key to Pistons' playoff contention”
Club Shay Shay · Apr 11, 2026
Best of NFL News Part 1: HEATED DEBATE: KD or Ant Man to lead their team in the playoffs?! Giannis' FAKE LOVE for Bucks is only for his Nike shoe contract!
“Returned from collapsed lung injury with double-double performance; discussed for playoff preparation and roster depth”
First Things First · Apr 9, 2026
Thunder on ‘dynasty watch’ after clinching 1-seed, Ravens’ Super Bowl Window, BUD List
“Returned from collapsed lung injury; discussed as key to Pistons' Eastern Conference contention”
Felger & Massarotti · Apr 3, 2026
Christopher Gasper Joins the Show // Tatum and Brown // ABS in MLB - 4-3 (Hour 3)
“Injury impact on Pistons' playoff viability; team performance without him analyzed”
First Take · Apr 3, 2026
Hour 1: Lakers blown out and Luka Injured
“Mentioned as star player at risk of becoming ineligible for postseason awards.”
First Take · Apr 2, 2026
Hour 1: Trade Away
“Went down with partial lung collapse, team raised defense without him but lacks secondary scorer”
Miller and Moulton · Mar 31, 2026
March 31, 2026 Hour 2 Keith Smith
“Expected to return to lineup; health status critical to Eastern Conference playoff dynamics”
First Things First · Mar 25, 2026
2026 MLB Opening Day, Patrick Mahomes seen practicing, Nick’s Tiers, Brou’s MVP Ballot
“65-game eligibility rule controversy analyzed; all-NBA candidacy impacted by injury-related games missed”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Mar 25, 2026
Giannis & Bucks At Odds Again & Wemby Makes Claim For MVP + Evaluating Tatum
“Season-ending injury; ineligible for postseason awards due to 65-game threshold; first-team all-NBA caliber”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Mar 23, 2026
Lakers’ Run Continues & Luka’s Biggest Weakness + Playoff Seeding Battles
“Out for season with sternum/rib cage injury; impacts Pistons' ability to maintain #1 seed without him”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Mar 20, 2026
Cade Injury Make East Wide Open? + Did Bucks Wait Too Long To Trade Giannis?
“Primary injury focus; suffered collapsed lung in game against Washington Wizards”
First Things First · Mar 19, 2026
Cade Cunningham to miss time with collapsed lung, Lakers win 10 out of 11, BUD List
“Collapsed lung diagnosis; may miss 3-6 weeks; carries excessive offensive load”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Mar 16, 2026
Luka Magic Taking Hold For Lakers + SGA’s Historic Streak & Wemby’s Confidence
“Pistons guard having unbelievable season; debated as first-team All-NBA candidate”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Mar 11, 2026
Did SGA End MVP Debate? + Best Year Of Kawhi Ever & A Big Question In The East
“Pistons star eliminated from MVP consideration following recent losses to Spurs; no longer viable candidate”
Nightcap · Mar 9, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Wemby DOMINATES the Rockets + Jokic says Wemby will TAKE OVER the NBA + Lakers BEAT the Knicks without Bron + Jayson Tatum LOOKS GREAT vs Cavs + Pistons SELL vs Heat
“Detroit Pistons guard scoring 26 points but needing 35+ for team to win consistently”
Club Shay Shay · Mar 9, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Wemby DOMINATES the Rockets + Jokic says Wemby will TAKE OVER the NBA + Lakers BEAT the Knicks without Bron + Jayson Tatum LOOKS GREAT vs Cavs + Pistons SELL vs Heat
“Detroit Pistons guard; 26 points but insufficient support in loss to Miami Heat”
First Things First · Mar 6, 2026
Nuggets beat Lakers, Jayson Tatum to return from Achilles tear, Brou’s NBA MVP Ballot, Title Pie
“Detroit Pistons star creating all offensive pressure; ranked #4 on MVP ballot despite recent struggles”
Nightcap · Mar 6, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Nuggets OUTLASTS the Lakers COMEBACK + LeBron BREAKS ALL-TIME FGs Record + Spurts BEATDOWN the Pistons + Trea Young MAKES Wizards DEBUT + Shams REPORTS Jayson Tatum WILL PLAY
“Pistons guard; noted as inefficient (10-26) in loss to Spurs, requiring strong performance for team success”
Club Shay Shay · Mar 6, 2026
Nightcap Hour 2: Giannis REFUSES to PLAY with BALL DOMINANT Guard + Ant Man wants to PLAY in the NFL + Bears TRADE DJ Moore to BILLS + Patriots & Ravens CONTENDERS for AJ Brown + Dak Prescott SPEAKS on George Pickens FRANCHISE TAG
“Detroit Pistons player discussed as potential trade destination for supporting talent”
Club 520 Podcast · Mar 4, 2026
520 in the Morning - Jeff Teague on Hornets being MOST FUN team in NBA, Pistons TOO RELIANT on Cade Cunningham
“Detroit Pistons star analyzed for playoff struggles against elite defenses, averaging 26-10-7 for the month”
Nightcap · Mar 4, 2026
Best of NBA News Part 1: Unc FURIOUS at Byron Scott DISRESPECTING LeBron James LAKERS LEGACY! Unc & Ocho FLAME the WNBA for being CHEAP after the STARS SHINE with UNRIVALED
“Detroit Pistons guard projected for All-NBA and All-Defensive selections; emerging young star”
Club Shay Shay · Mar 4, 2026
Best of NBA News Part 1: Unc FURIOUS at Byron Scott DISRESPECTING LeBron James LAKERS LEGACY! Unc & Ocho FLAME the WNBA for being CHEAP after the STARS SHINE with UNRIVALED
“Discussed as rising star and potential All-NBA/All-Defensive selection with Detroit Pistons”
First Things First · Mar 4, 2026
100 days until 2026 World Cup, Kyler Murray to be released, Chris Richards joins, King of the Hill
“Detroit Pistons number one pick and MVP candidate; ranked atop King of the Hill rankings”
Club 520 Podcast · Mar 2, 2026
520 in the Morning - Jeff Teague on STRUGGLING Nuggets, Knicks BEAT Spurs, is MVP SGA’s to lose?
“Pistons guard with 29 points; highlighted for consistent performance and early investment by hosts”
First Take · Mar 2, 2026
Hour 1: More Concerned with Spurs or Confident in Knicks?
“Detroit Pistons player who scored 42 points against Knicks without full roster”
Miller and Moulton · Mar 2, 2026
March 2, 2026 Hour 3
“Detroit Pistons player mentioned in context of weekend NBA viewing and team performance”
Nightcap · Mar 2, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Ant Man LEADS TWolves PAST Nuggets + Knicks END Spurs WINNING STREAK + Cavs BEAT Nets in James Harden RETURN + Byron Scott tells LEBRON to GTFO of LA
“Detroit Pistons young star discussed as potential All-NBA selection and future league face”
First Things First · Feb 27, 2026
George Pickens receives franchise tag, Lakers lose to Suns, Alex Palou joins, Brou’s MVP Ballot
“Detroit Pistons star; fourth on Brew's MVP ballot; compared to Trevor Artest by Hall of Famer”
First Take · Feb 27, 2026
Hour 2: Should OKC Worry About the Spurs?
“Detroit Pistons young superstar leading team as Eastern Conference Finals contender”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Feb 27, 2026
Pistons Not Satisfied Yet + KD On Team USA’s Future & Jokic Is Looking Human??
“Detroit Pistons star player; focal point of team's offensive creation and playoff aspirations”
Club 520 Podcast · Feb 26, 2026
520 in the Morning - Jeff Teague REACTS to Spurs 10th straight win, Pistons BEAT Thunder, Harden BREAKS thumb
“Pistons player with 29 points in win over Thunder, discussed as co-star with Jalen Duren”
Miller and Moulton · Feb 26, 2026
February 26, 2026 Hour 1
“Detroit Pistons guard with 29 points and 15 assists in victory over Oklahoma City Thunder”
Club Shay Shay · Feb 26, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Cade Cunningham & Pistons SNEAK by SHORT-HANDED Thunder + Odds for NBA MVP have TIGHTENED + NBA sends DOCTORS to CHECK Lauri Markkanen
“Detroit Pistons point guard discussed as rising MVP candidate; shot 11-16 with 13 assists in win over Thunder”
Nightcap · Feb 26, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Cade Cunningham & Pistons SNEAK by SHORT-HANDED Thunder + Odds for NBA MVP have TIGHTENED + NBA sends DOCTORS to CHECK Lauri Markkanen
“Detroit Pistons guard with 29 points, 13 assists; discussed as MVP candidate with efficient play”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Feb 25, 2026
Cavs Down Knicks + Spurs Expose Pistons? OKC’s Depth Showing Finals Repeat Chances?
“Pistons guard who shot 5-26 against Spurs; analysis of offensive limitations when facing elite defensive schemes”
All The Smoke · Feb 25, 2026
The Clippers Played With Chris Paul's Legacy... It's UNFORGIVABLE
“Detroit Pistons guard; MVP candidate averaging 25 PPG, 10 APG, 6 RPG”
First Take · Feb 24, 2026
Hour 2: Which Team Will Draft Ty Simpson?
“Detroit Pistons guard dominating New York Knicks this season (3-0 record, 27+ PPG, 11+ APG vs NY)”
Club 520 Podcast · Feb 24, 2026
520 in the Morning - Jeff Teague on Pistons in TROUBLE after loss to Wemby & Spurs, Celtics & Knicks a THREAT in east
“Detroit Pistons point guard whose performance directly impacts team's playoff viability; had poor shooting night (5-26)”
First Take · Feb 24, 2026
Hour 1: Are Spurs the Best Team in the NBA Right Now?
“Detroit Pistons guard; shot 3-for-13 against Spurs defense; discussed as key variable in Pistons' playoff viability”
Nightcap · Feb 24, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Wemby and Spurs KNOCK DOWN the Pistons + LeBron and Jaylen Brown Have a RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP + KD Wants to PLAY in 2028 OLYMPICS
“Detroit Pistons point guard shooting 5-26 in loss to Spurs, questioned on MVP candidacy and playoff readiness”
Club Shay Shay · Feb 24, 2026
Nightcap Hour 1: Wemby and Spurs KNOCK DOWN the Pistons + LeBron and Jaylen Brown Have a RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIP + KD Wants to PLAY in 2028 OLYMPICS
“Detroit Pistons guard struggling with 5-26 shooting efficiency in crucial matchup against Spurs”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Feb 23, 2026
Can Cavs Figure It Out For Playoffs? Watch Out For Boston & Is Detroit Ready For A Finals Run?
“Pistons star guard emerging as MVP candidate and first-team All-NBA player leading Detroit's contention”
First Things First · Feb 21, 2026
Is A.J. Brown a good fit in New England, KAT's impact on Knicks' struggles, Alec Pierce in Buffalo?
“Pistons PG; highlighted as emerging elite NBA talent with complete two-way game”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Feb 20, 2026
2nd MVP Straw Poll - Late Surges Enough For New MVP? + Possible Tanking Solution?
“Detroit Pistons guard; third in voting, up from fourth; leading wire-to-wire East leader with Derek Rose 2011 Bulls comparison”
Brian Windhorst & The Hoop Collective · Feb 13, 2026
Windy’s Rant: Done With Tanking & More + Spurs Finishing Strong & Knicks Rollercoaster
“Pistons guard whose health status affects team's playoff matchup potential against Knicks”