Cade Cunningham cracks top 10 in Bleacher Report’s 2030 NBA power rankings

Cade Cunningham has rocketed into the NBA’s next generation with a top-10 projection for 2030, according to Bleacher Report’s latest rankings. The Detroit Pistons guard checks in at No. 7 on the list, which forecasts the league’s best players four seasons from now.

What did Bleacher Report say about Cade Cunningham?

Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey places Cunningham inside the top 10 for 2030, slotting him at No. 7. Bailey argues Cunningham’s ceiling remains sky-high because his game still has obvious room to grow. “What has to be truly terrifying for opponents around the league is the fact that Cade has some very obvious areas for improvement,” Bailey wrote. He singles out ball security and three-point consistency as two levers Cunningham can pull to push himself into MVP conversations.

How did Cunningham perform in 2025-26?

Cunningham played 64 regular-season games in 2025-26, averaging 23.9 points, 9.9 assists and 5.5 rebounds. Those numbers already rank among the league’s best, but his playoff run raised his profile even higher. Over 14 postseason games, he upped his averages to 28.1 points, 7.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds. The eye-popping figure is the 41.0 minutes per game he logged-an enormous load that could ease with better supporting pieces.

Why does a 2030 ranking matter now?

At 24 years old, Cunningham is trending toward his prime. Bailey’s projection assumes steady development in efficiency and durability. If the Pistons add talent, the guard’s workload could drop, giving him extra rest to refine his jumper and tighten his handle. That combination could vault him into the MVP conversation by 2030, when he turns 28.

What’s next for the Pistons and Cunningham?

The Pistons must surround Cunningham with complementary talent to reduce his minutes and preserve his health. Front-office moves this summer will shape how quickly he can round out his game. Meanwhile, Cunningham’s blend of playmaking and scoring already makes him a cornerstone piece-one with a clear path to superstardom if the supporting cast improves.