While some may be concerned about LeBron James’ return to the Eastern Conference, Cade Cunningham is steadfast and can't wait any longer for the opportunity to face the 41-year-old superstar.
With a matchup against James and the stacked Philadelphia 76ers coming up, Cunningham expressed his excitement for the 2026-27 NBA season.
"Yeah, I mean, it’s just funny to see LeBron. It’s just crazy to see that. You know, obviously he’s a blockbuster, so that’s good, him coming back to the East," the Detroit Pistons superstar told DJ Siddiqi of R.Org Sports.
"I’m excited."
Cade Cunningham, Pistons to face LeBron James-led 76ers in one of East's top matchups
Anticipation is off the charts for the Philadelphia 76ers after emerging as the biggest winners of the 2026 offseason.
Under the new leadership of team president Mike Gansey, the 76ers pulled league-altering moves that stunned the entire basketball world. They executed a blockbuster deal with the Boston Celtics that allowed the unexpected arrival of Jaylen Brown.
A few weeks later, they successfully secured the commitment of LeBron James, as the four-time NBA MVP returned to the East after dominating the Conference for consecutive years before leaving it in 2018 to join the Los Angeles Lakers.
As the 76ers feature a staggering roster of James, Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe, their matchups against Cade Cunningham and the Detroit Pistons should draw major hype.
The Pistons have delivered a sensational rise in 2025-26, securing a 60-win campaign to top the entire East in the past regular season.
The Pistons and 76ers will face each other three times during the 2026-27 regular season, playing in Philadelphia on Oct. 25 and Feb 5, and in Detroit on a nationally televised ESPN broadcast on Nov. 4.