Former Milwaukee Bucks player Jeff Teague says Detroit Pistons point guardCade Cunningham should win MVP over players like Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Los Angeles Lakers point guard Luka Doncic, and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic. His reason was because Cade is one of the few playing without another bona fide star on his team.
Jeff Teague on whyCade Cunningham should win MVP this year: “He’s the front runner for the MVP cause his team has no other stars.”
Why Cade Cunningham Deserves the MVP Now
Nov 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) shoots the ball in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Teague is right. Cunningham has a legit case to lead the MVP race, not just to be in the conversation.
This was the exact same reason why Jokic got his first one in 2021. He was the only star on the roster, like Cade, and was supported with a good cast.
The Detroit Pistons’ Historic NBA Turnaround
Nov 18, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Isaiah Stewart (28) dunks against the Atlanta Hawks in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
The Pistons are the #1 team in the Eastern Conference and one of the biggest turnarounds. Cade is doing what Derrick Rose did when he was given the MVP over prime LeBron James with the Miami Heat in 2011.
The identity of this Pistons team is important. A couple all-defense level guys, and just great defensive personnel overall.
May 13, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Jeff Teague (5) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell (9) defends in the first quarter at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content