The Detroit Pistons are having a remarkable 2025–26 NBA season, holding a 41–13 record and leading the Eastern Conference standings. Central to this success is Cade Cunningham, whose elevated play has captured attention across the league as he propels Detroit’s win streak.
Amid this impressive run, Cunningham recently made headlines by confidently asserting himself as the best American player currently in the NBA, a claim that has stirred conversation among fans and analysts alike.
Cunningham’s Bold Statement on Being the Top American NBA Player
In a recent interview with GQ, Cunningham addressed a persistent debate: who is the best American athlete in the NBA today? Without hesitation, Cunningham expressed his ambition to secure a spot on the upcoming Olympic team and claimed he holds the title of the best American player in the league right now.
“I take it seriously. I want to be on the Olympic team coming up. I think I’m the best American player,”
—Cade Cunningham, NBA Player
The interviewer challenged him by mentioning Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, noting the Canadian star’s outstanding season and questioning if Cunningham believed he was superior. Cunningham’s reply was nuanced; he acknowledged that he does not consider himself better than Gilgeous-Alexander but distinguished the two based on nationality.
He emphasized that since Gilgeous-Alexander is Canadian, Cunningham’s claim applies strictly to American players, excluding SGA from this particular comparison.
“‘No, not at all,’ he says, barely containing an I shouldn’t be saying this smile. But rather than choosing the flashy, potentially inflammatory move, he settles for the safe, cerebral play. ‘They’re just not American,'”
—Cade Cunningham, NBA Player
Cade Cunningham’s Rise Since Being No. 1 Draft Pick
Cunningham entered the NBA as the first overall pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 2021 NBA Draft. This season, he is showcasing his growth with averages of 25.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 9.7 assists per game, marking him as a central figure for Detroit and a formidable presence in the league.
His recent performance against the New York Knicks further demonstrated his elite ability. Cunningham scored 42 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and tallied 13 assists in a commanding 126-111 victory at Madison Square Garden, a game that underscored his rising star status.
Historic Achievement in Pistons Franchise History
In that standout game, Cunningham achieved a franchise first by recording at least 40 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, and 5 made three-pointers in a single contest, an unprecedented feat for the Pistons. This milestone highlights the evolving impact of Cunningham as a multi-talented player capable of influencing all aspects of the game.
At just 24 years old, Cunningham’s current trajectory signals a future filled with potential, even as opinions remain divided on whether he is indeed the best American player in the league today.
What remains certain is that Cunningham is establishing himself as a key figure in the NBA, and his journey toward solidifying that claim will be closely watched as the season continues.
Cade Cunningham vs New York:
42 PTS
8 REB
13 AST
5 3PThe first player in franchise history with 40 PTS, 5+ REB, 10+ AST, 5+ 3P in a game. pic.twitter.com/bdS3g0PxOj
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 20, 2026
