"A Finals MVP I'd be way more happy about than an MVP" - Cade Cunningham asserts that an NBA title is the only thing he's gunning for this season

Last season, the Detroit Pistons got a small taste of the postseason, battling the New York Knicks in six hard-fought games before exiting. This season, they don't want just a taste; they want the entire buffet, as evidenced by their astounding 15-2 win-loss mark, second-best in the NBA, right behind the defending champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

At the helm of the Pistons' uprising has been none other than dynamic guard Cade Cunningham. A 6'6" guard whom the Pistons selected first in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade has truly come into his own over the last three seasons, overcoming his initial injury woes to become one of the league's elite playmakers.

In fact, the former Oklahoma State ace has played so well that fans and pundits have him as a bona fide MVP candidate early this season. And with averages of 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 9.6 assists, it's not surprising to see why many think so highly of the 24-year-old.

However, Cade recently expressed that, as flattering as it is to be considered for such a prestigious award, he would much rather help the Pistons raise the Larry O'Brien trophy, something the franchise hasn't done since 2004.

Cade has his eyes on the prize

Last season, Cade was considered for the George Mikan Trophy, also known as the Most Improved Player award. However, he stressed that, as much of an honor as it was to be in the running for a highly acclaimed prize, he doesn't see himself in that category.

"Most Improved Player was, I think, a great honor to be considered for. It shows whoever improved the most from year to year, you know what I mean? I think that's a huge accomplishment for somebody who puts in the work in the summertime. It says a lot about how much work you put in. So to be considered for it, I thought was amazing," Cade said in an interview with ESPN's Vincent Goodwill.

"It's not how I see myself — just a Most Improved Player award winner. I see myself as somebody who should be considered at the highest level, and that's what I work for every day. So it was a great award to be considered for, but I wasn't heartbroken to not win. I'm going to keep on marching," he added.

Cade finished third in the race for the MIP plum, which the Atlanta Hawks' Dyson Daniels won.

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The Finals MVP award is what Cade wants

The last time someone came out of left field to win the Michael Jordan Trophy was in 2015, when Stephen Curry put the Golden State Warriors on his back and brought them to new heights. Cade's season so far has shown that he has the potential to do something similar.

However, if anyone asks him if that's what he wants, he unabashedly admits that it is a goal, just not this season.

"I think if I can help get this team to where my goal is to get this team this season, I think all that stuff will be on the way. And I'm not shy to say that. I think that's very possible," he stated. "That's not what this season is about, though — it's not about winning the MVP for me. This season is about winning the Finals more than anything. A Finals MVP would make me way happier than an MVP."

Cade, though, is right. With incredible team success comes individual accolades. With the Pistons firing on all cylinders, he could be in line for a lot of hardware if he continues to play at this level. For now, he's just focused on helping his team win and achieving their ultimate goal: a championship.

Related: Cade Cunningham recalls when Kevin Durant shared the secret to a successful workout routine

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.