The NBA is in the midst of a changing of the guard, and Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham isn’t just watching it happen—he’s kicking down the door to claim his spot at the top. In a recent interview with GQ, the 24-year-old point guard didn’t mince words about where he sees himself in the basketball hierarchy.
Detroit Pistons Cade Cunningham Wants Olympic Roster Spot
Not only does he have his sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but he also dropped a bold claim that has the basketball world buzzing: he believes he is the best American player in the game right now. For a player who has battled injuries and early-career adversity, this level of confidence might seem surprising to casual observers. But for those watching the Pistons this season, it sounds like a superstar finally recognizing his own power.
“I Want to Be on the Olympic Team”
The 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles will mark a significant shift for Team USA. Legends like LeBron James and Stephen Curry have likely played their final Olympic minutes, leaving a massive void in leadership and production. Cunningham sees that opening and is determined to fill it.
“I take it seriously,” Cunningham told GQ. “I want to be on the Olympic team coming up. I think I’m the best American player.”
It’s a statement that shows he isn’t just aiming for an All-Star nod or a playoff berth; he’s aiming for global dominance. The transition from the old guard to the new generation will require players who can control the game, facilitate for others, and score at will—all traits Cunningham has displayed in abundance this season.
Backing It Up on the Court
Confidence is great, but performance is what matters. Fortunately for Cunningham, his play this season is backing up every word. The Detroit Pistons are currently sitting at the top of the Eastern Conference with a 40-13 record, a massive turnaround for a franchise that struggled mightily just a few years ago.
Cunningham is the engine behind that success, averaging over 25 points, nearly 10 assists, and almost 6 rebounds per game. He has evolved from a promising young talent into a legitimate floor general who makes everyone around him better. Analysts are taking note, with recent rankings placing him as high as the second-best American player in the league, trailing only Kawhi Leonard.
Why This Matters for the NBA
Cunningham’s declaration adds a new layer of intrigue to the league. The NBA thrives on competition and players staking their claim to the throne. By putting a target on his back, Cunningham is inviting the challenge. He’s telling his peers—players like Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and Devin Booker—that he believes he stands above them.
This kind of mindset is exactly what propelled the Pistons to their current success. It’s not arrogance; it’s the necessary belief required to lead a team to a championship.
As we look toward the 2028 Olympics, the roster construction will be fascinating. If Cunningham continues on this trajectory, leading Detroit to deep playoff runs and potentially a title, he won’t just be asking for a spot on Team USA—he’ll be the one they build the team around. The torch is being passed, and Cade Cunningham is ready to grab it.
