Detroit, MI – The Detroit Pistons continue to be the pre-NBA All-Star surprise team of the season.

A year after setting the franchise record in losses, they sit just 7 wins away from surpassing the combined win total the previous 2 seasons.

While there are many contributing factors to the turnaround, the center stage spotlight shines brightest on Cade Cunningham. The former #1 overall draft pick has put together an undeniable star level season, which led to his first All-Star selection.

Cunningham has been so good this season, it’s made basketball conversations uncomfortable when discussing his rank. After starting the season ranked #67 on ESPN’s NBA player rankings, Cade is now finding his name mentioned in MVP conversations.

The confidence of Cade Cunningham, the All-Star.

After a less than ideal start to Cade Cunningham’s career, things are starting to settle in place as originally envisioned. He’s already endured multiple coaches, different combinations of veterans, several general managers, low foul calls, and a season ending leg surgery.

But Cade seems as strong and confident as day one of being a Piston when he promised he wanted to have success in Detroit.

So far he’s making that promise look like a sure bet. This season Cunningham and Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic are the only NBA players to average at least 25 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds per game.

See, Cade has made it uncomfortable. He has disrupted the narrative while on the fast-track to stardom. Players like Charlotte Hornets LaMelo Ball, Toronto Raptors Scottie Barnes and Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner were said to be better by pundits. Cade has already flipped that debate on its head with just a half of All-Star level play.

Pistons defeat Bulls 127-119

The Detroit Pistons moved back over .500 with a (score) over the visiting Chicago Bulls. The Pistons took control of the game during the 2nd quarter and never looked back. They were aided by an energized defense, as well as double-double efforts from both Jalen Duren and star Cade Cunningham.

Jalen Duren finished with a strong 21 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists while disrupting the Bulls on both ends of the court. Cunningham scored 22 points while dishing out 15 assists as he continues to prove worthy of his All-Star selection.

Duren, who’s play earlier in the season wasn’t as well received, has completely turned around those sentiments.

Head coach JB Bickerstaff credits growth of the team, and improvement of Jalen Duren to the chemistry they’re developing as the season has played on.

“I think the guys are just continuing to play together,” Bickerstaff said. “They understand it and there’s confidence.”

All the Pistons starters scored in double figures, while Simone Fontecchio and Malik Beasley scored 11 and 19 points respectively off the bench.

Ron Holland receives the WWE belt

Though he didn’t score in double figures, rookie Ron Holland made his presence felt versus the Bulls. And his teammates recognized his efforts by awarding him with the WWE Pistons belt to the Player, or DAWG, of the game.

Holland scored 8 points, 2 assists and had an impressive 4 steals, which felt like a low number compared to how active he was. He seemed to be literally everywhere on some plays. Holland would get the steal, run the floor for the dunk and then tip away the opponents inbound play just after.

After that stretch the Pistons home crowd roared in approval as Holland looked into the crowd yelling in exuberance. He was a catalyst of energy for the Pistons second quarter surge which secured the lead for good.

Ausar Thompson the Rising Star

Ausar Thompson didn’t have the start to this NBA season that he hoped for. But since his return, Thompson has proven to be one of the NBA’s most promising young players.

And it all starts on the defensive end for the Overtime Elite product. Thompson ended January top 5 in the NBA in steals for the month. That is not a small feat for a player who was trying to get into game shape for most of the season after missing 23 of 49 games.

That would hurt most chances to make the Rising Stars challenge, but Thompson has been too good to be left off the team twice.

He will be an injury replacement as he joins his brother Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets) in the game.