Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham
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Pistons star Cade Cunningham is adamant about playing for Team USA in the future.
Over the past two years, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham has cemented himself as one of the top young stars in the NBA. As he continues his rapid journey towards superstardom, he reflected on wanting to showcase his talents on the international stage.
The Pistons were one of the league’s top stories last season, and continue to be through the first half of the 2026 campaign. Cunningham has been a driving force in their success, proving to be the face of the franchise with his dominant all-around play.
Now in his fifth season, Cunningham has lived up to the hype of being a top overall pick in his draft class. He is fresh off his second straight All-Star appearance after posting impressive averages of 25.3 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 9.6 APG.
While Cunningham’s focus remains on delivering the Pistons a championship, he recently opened up on other goals for his basketball career. During an interview with Matthew Roberson of GQ Sports, the 24-year-old spoke on his desire to suit up for Team USA in the Olympics. Cunningham feels he should headline the 2028 squad, as he believes he is the top American player in the sport right now.
“I take it seriously,” Cunningham said. “I want to be on the Olympic team coming up. I think I’m the best American player.”
Seeing that the 2024 squad was filled with agin stars, Team USA could be ushering in a new era when the Summer Olympics roll back around. If he continues to grow at his current pace, Cunningham is a strong candidate to represent his country.
NBACentral
Cade Cunningham says he’s the best American player in the NBA:
“I want to be on the Olympic team coming up. I think I’m the best American player.”
(via @GQMagazine)
Cade Cunningham Eager to ‘Take the Torch’ From Current Top American Stars
For decades, America has dominated the sport of basketball. However, within the past decade, it has become far more of a global game. Between guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and many others, the NBA has no shortage of international superstars.
When it comes to Americans, guys like LeBron James and Steph Curry have been the standard bearers for years now. Seeing that they are nearing the end of their professional careers, new faces have to be ready to pick up where they left off when it comes time. If things go his way, Cunningham hopes he is someone capable of taking on that mantle.
During a February 13th interview with Marc Spears of Andscape, the Pistons star opened up on leading the charge for the next generation of American players.
“I could take the torch by continuing to work, continue to be better each and every year, continue to take steps as far as leading this team to more and more wins,” Cunningham told Spears. “Winning the championship is the ultimate goal. And then once that happens, staying poised and staying humble, coming back the next year and working every game. It’s a process.”
Cade Cunningham Projected to Make Olympic Debut in 2028
Luckily for Cunningham, he is not the only one who feels he should be playing for Team USA when the next Olympics come around. Back in August, CBS Sports’ Colin Ward-Henninger broke down what the 2028 roster could look like.
In his projected roster, Cunningham joined a loaded guard rotation that also featured Jalen Brunson, Anthony Edwards, Devin Booker, and Donovan Mitchell.