This year’s NBA All-Star Game is still roughly a month away, but we will find out the rosters for the showcase on January 30. Though there will be numerous All-Stars who are no strangers to the festivities, there will likely also be players selected for the game for the first time. There are multiple players who could fit that bill this year. And according to basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, there is one specific player who should make their first All-Star appearance this season–Cade Cunningham.
Cunningham made an appearance on Tuesday’s NBA Pre-Game Show on TNT. During his appearance, O’Neal told the Detroit Pistons star that he should be an All-Star this year. Furthermore, O’Neal said he would vote for Cunningham if he had a vote.
Shaq to Cade Cunningham:
“You are an All-Star to me…If I had a vote, I would definitely vote you in.” #Pistons pic.twitter.com/Eotoai2rSY
— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) January 22, 2025
“You are an All-Star to me,” O’Neal said. “Playing fabulous. … I know what an All-Star is. I am telling it to your face — you are an All-Star. If I had a vote, I would definitely vote you in.”
Shaquille O’Neal Endorses Detroit Pistons Star for First All-Star Selection
Cade Cunningham’s Career Year
Now in his fourth year in the league, the former No.1 overall pick is having a fantastic season. Through 39 games, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 9.3 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 45.3% from the field and 37.3% from the three-point line. All these numbers are career highs for Cunningham. Not only is Cunningham having a successful individual season, but he is also leading the Pistons to their most successful campaign in a few years.
Over halfway through the season, the Pistons are 22-21 and own the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. After finishing with the worst record in the league in each of the last two seasons, this is a big deal for the Pistons. Furthermore, they are on pace for their first playoff appearance since 2019.
There is a lot of basketball remaining. However, the Pistons look like a legitimate playoff contender and much of that can be attributed to Cunningham’s growth.
Cade Cunningham’s Teammates Believe He Should Be An All-Star
O’neal is not the only one who thinks Cunningham should make the All-Star team. Recently, Tobias Harris called it “an honor” to play alongside Cunningham. Additionally, he said Cunningham is “starting to get the recognition” he deserves.
“It’s an honor to play with him as a young, up-and-coming superstar in this league and I think he’s starting to get the recognition and the clout that he deserves,” Harris said. “Extremely hard worker, extremely humble human being and an amazing teammate and leader for this whole group. … He’s playing at an extremely high level leading this group, leading this team and coming to play night after night. And not for nothing. He’s a dynamic offensive player but he’s also a very good defensive player, and he brings it defensively for our group as well. He’s been spectacular for us all season long.”
Furthermore, Malik Beasley endorsed Cunningham for the All-Star Game as well, even if in an NSFW fashion.
Cunningham will find out in a week if he names the team. Even if he does not, it is safe to assume he will earn this honor sooner rather than later.
