Detroit Pistons’ guard Cade Cunningham and Boston Celtics’ Jaylen Brown have risen as prominent contenders in the 2024 NBA MVP race, challenging traditional favorites with strong performances. Their ascent comes as established stars like Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Victor Wembanyama face difficulties maintaining eligibility due to missed games under the league’s 65-game rule.
While Jokic, Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Wembanyama are all significant names, the amount of time they have missed this season puts their MVP candidacy at risk. Jokic has already missed 16 games, with Wembanyama, Doncic, and Gilgeous-Alexander also nearing the threshold of missed matches required for eligibility. This rule stipulates players must appear in at least 65 games to qualify for end-of-year awards, forcing these stars into uncertain territory as the season progresses.
Hall of Famers Voice Support for Cunningham and Brown
Two NBA legends, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, have publicly endorsed Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown as leading MVP candidates, an uncommon agreement between the former Inside the NBA colleagues.
I agree with you. The two guys who should be the front-runners for MVP are Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown. Charles Barkley said
When asked why Cunningham stood out over other candidates, O’Neal praised the Pistons guard’s all-around skill set and consistency on the court.
I watched him the other day, and he has a complete game. He does everything right. Not mostly right, he does everything right all the time. Shaquille O’Neal replied
The endorsement from Barkley and O’Neal highlights the shift in narrative around this MVP race, with younger players like Brown and Cunningham capitalizing on opportunities presented by injuries and absences among the usual frontrunners.
Additional Praise for Cade Cunningham’s Impact
Beyond the Hall of Famers, Draymond Green has also spoken highly of Cade Cunningham’s influence this season, particularly emphasizing his ability to elevate Detroit Pistons basketball to new heights.
Cade Cunningham owns the New York Knicks. 42 and 9 at the Garden. It’s so fun to watch. The way he’s revived Detroit basketball is insane. He put the buffs on the day of the Draft and said he was going to do it. And then he’s doing it. Draymond Green said on his namesake show
Green recalled how Cunningham responded to his early-career trash talk with surprise rather than intimidation, showcasing the guard’s confidence and focus. This mentality underpins Cunningham’s rise as a leader who refuses to accept losing as the norm.
Cade Cunningham OWNS the New York Knicks, and more praise from Draymond Green for the young Pistons’ star on The Draymond Green Show – Link in Bio for full episode! pic.twitter.com/bs6hLKEX9T— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) February 25, 2026
This resilient mindset has earned Cunningham not only accolades but also a signature Nike shoe, symbolizing his growing stature both on and off the court. His efforts have helped transform a struggling Pistons squad into one of the Eastern Conference’s top teams.
Dominance of Jaylen Brown and Cade Cunningham in the Eastern Conference
Following a playoff season many dismissed as a fluke, Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons have firmly established themselves as major contenders. The team’s explosive showing was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Jayson Tatum during the playoffs, which cleared the path for the New York Knicks to advance, but the Pistons’ overall progress has been notable.
Meanwhile, Brown’s Celtics have defied projections, thriving despite the loss of key players such as Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford. Expectations of Boston struggling this year have been upended, with the team currently holding the second-best record in the Eastern Conference behind Cunningham’s Pistons.
This unexpected success amplifies both players’ resumes and raises their chances for the MVP honor, as they have clearly emerged as the driving forces behind their teams’ performances.
Looking Ahead in the MVP Race
With more than 20 games still remaining this season, the dynamic between these emerging MVP candidates and the traditionally favored stars will continue to develop. Injuries remain an unpredictable factor, potentially reshaping eligibility and momentum among contenders like Jokic, Doncic, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Wembanyama.
Despite the uncertainties, the endorsements from legends such as Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, paired with the glowing recognition from players like Draymond Green, solidify Cade Cunningham and Jaylen Brown as transformative figures this season. Their performances are not only refreshing the MVP conversation but also illustrating how a new generation is forging its path in the league’s most prestigious awards.
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"Cade Cunningham OWNS the New York Knicks," and more praise from Draymond Green for the young Pistons' star on The Draymond Green Show – Link in Bio for full episode! pic.twitter.com/bs6hLKEX9T
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) February 25, 2026
