It was always silly that folks doubted Cade Cunningham's ability to be the No. 1 option on a team with real postseason aspirations. Now, heading into 2025-26, it's almost unthinkable. Career-highs in points, assists, 3-point percentage, free throw attempts, true shooting, all combined with the best team season Cunningham has experienced during his time in the league, have suddenly placed him in a new tier of player: bona fide MVP candidate.
He's still not a perfect player, of course; his efficiency was good, not elite in 2024-25, and getting to the free-throw line even more next season after a career-high 5.