Cade Cunningham's evolution shaped the Pistons' future

After a 14-win season, Cunningham texted assistant coach Jarrett Jack in 2024 to outline goals; two years later he increased his assists and helped lead Detroit to the Eastern Conference's No. 1 seed.

Cade Cunningham moved from a 14-win low to leading a top-seeded Detroit team, and that change traces in part to a 2024 phone exchange with assistant coach Jarrett Jack. Watching the Anthony Edwards–Nikola Jokić series sparked Cunningham's competitive urgency and he and Jack spent an hour listing what would be required for a turnaround. Over the next two years Cunningham developed his playmaking and leadership while the Pistons' roster and staff also changed. The team now enters the postseason with high expectations and Cunningham available to lead on the floor. What we know: - In 2024 Cunningham texted assistant coach Jarrett Jack after watching a playoff series and they spent time outlining goals and requirements for his development. - Cunningham's assists rose from 9.1 last season to 9.9 this season, and he posted a career-high 43.0 assist percentage. - Per CleaningTheGlass, his assist percentage was the highest among point guards who logged at least 1,000 minutes; Nikola Jokić was the only player with more minutes and a higher assist percentage. - Cunningham handed out 136 assists to teammate Jalen Duren this season; Duren shot 59.4 percent on passes from Cunningham and averaged a career-high 19.5 points. - Cunningham missed 11 games this season while recovering from a left lung pneumothorax, seven of which came during Detroit's final 10 games. - The Pistons improved their staff and roster in the offseason and finished the regular season with 60 wins and the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, while Cunningham is a two-time All-Star and an All-NBA selection. Summary: Cunningham's increased playmaking and leadership have been central to Detroit's rise from a 14-win season to a 60-win, No. 1 seed, and his individual numbers and league recognition reflect that progress. He also returned from a left lung pneumothorax this season. The Pistons begin their postseason at Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, and their opponent has not yet been decided.