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The sound you hear in the distance is being generated by a MotorCade, rumbling out of Detroit.
Yes, Cade Cunningham’s SUV sped up and took a lane on Kia’s MVP ladder. Too soon? Not unless you haven’t been following his recent adventures with the suddenly competitive Detroit Pistons.
Cunningham has arguably been a top-five player since the calendar flipped to 2025, and he’s really been built all season. The thing is that from November to December he did it in the shadows. But now that the Pistons are rolling (they’re 7-2 this month with an impressive road win over the Knicks on Monday), the shine is on him.
And the former No. 1 overall pick in 2021 agrees with that. Finally healthy and showing the overall skills that could get him to the All-Star next month, Cunningham is averaging 25. 8 points, 5. 3 rebounds and 8. 3 assists compared to the January game. His functionality was enhanced when the Pistons lost Jaden Ivey during the season to a left leg injury.
“To be playing the game as you feel it, as you see it. But obviously, with wonderful strength comes wonderful responsibility. You have to make sure you do what’s most productive for the team,” Cunningham said.
We won’t get too far ahead of ourselves with Cunningham, who checks in at No. 9. But, he deserves his bouquet. Let’s see how he responds to all the hype from here and if he can get the once-lowly Pistons into the playoffs. That’s what an MVP candidate does.
Set the level this week: It has less to do with scale than it does with “The Wall. “Like in the popular fan segment of the new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, home of the LA Clippers. That arena and rows of seats will be put to the test on Sunday. first stop of the Lakers at (9 p. m. ET, NBA TV). Will it still be a “home” game for the Clippers or will Lakers enthusiasts ruin the venue?
The statistic to know: Luka Dončić, who is still recovering, did not achieve the necessary number of games played to be considered as a main reward and has fallen from the ranking. Luckily, everything will be fine, and even more so, when he returns to Dallas.
What they say: “If I’m in the league and I see the groups playing, he’s another player I’d like to play with. Last year we talked about Tyrese Haliburton; he’s the new Tyrese Haliburton. This is the guy who is an absolute stud: former NBA player Chandler Parsons, in Cunningham.
His case: The times roll on for Gilgeous-Alexander as the Thunder, fresh off a war with the East-leading Cavaliers, show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. The same goes for Gilgeous-Alexander, as he has fallen below 30 numbers just twice this month (in blowout wins) and leads the league in scoring and is No. 3 in steals.
And the Thunder’s schedule lights up from here, with a pair opposite the scarce Mavericks, such as the Jazz, Nets, Blazers and Warriors. All of this gives Gilgeous-Alexander the ability to post even bigger numbers.
His case: Jokić suffers from elbow pain and lately he shoots less and therefore scores less for the Nuggets. However: he stays with this last game because his teammates, despite everything, begin to play better and depend less on his score.
The Nuggets are starting to surge, and if Denver is high in the West standings at season’s end, that can only positively reflect on Jokić’s chances of grabbing another MVP trophy.
His case: Antetokounmpo is averaging 27. 3 points per game in January so far, his lowest monthly average of the season. However, that’s more a reflection of having to shoot less for the Bucks, who have turned the corner in a season that slowly demanded more from Antetokounmpo.
It’s all smart: Antetokounmpo is the most sensible candidate to get fan votes for the All-Star Game, a sign of respect.
His case: Towns is dealing with wrist and thumb issues and had to sit a game; neither injury is considered serious enough to bench him for an extended period.
Otherwise, Towns’ consistent high-level performances keep him at the most sensible spot on the scale. He scored 30 and 18 against Antetokounmpo and the Bucks before the injury and has a good chance of being named an All-Star starter.
His case: Wembanyama continues to issue decent performances although it has been a mixed bag lately, as the Spurs have stumbled in the standings, losers of four of their last five. He’ll need a good stretch to remain in the top five next week.
Plus, with a start Friday against Memphis (9:30 p. m. ET, ESPN), it’s a smart time to pause and remember those who were stunned the other day by a recent Ja Morant spotlight (even if that capsized at Wembanyama did not count).
And five more (listed alphabetically): Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks; Kevin Durant, Phoenix Suns; LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers; Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings; Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
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Shaun Powell has covered the NBA for more than 25 years. You can email him here, his file here, and follow along with him in X.
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