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NBA’s hierarchy debate has taken a dramatic turn. As the Detroit Pistons surge to the top of the Eastern Conference, Cade Cunningham’s meteoric rise is forcing analysts to reconsider the league’s elite order — and one bold take has now placed him ahead of Luka Doncic.
Detroit’s rapid ascent to a projected No. 1 seed in the East has amplified Cunningham’s MVP credentials. After leading the Pistons to a commanding win over the New York Knicks, the franchise cornerstone once again strengthened his case as one of the most complete players in the league.
Kendrick Perkins makes bold top-five declaration
Retired NBA player and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins did not hold back when ranking the NBA’s best active players. In a striking assessment, he declared:
“It’s SGA, Giannis, Jokic and guess who’s right there next after them? It’s Cade Cunningham. Cade Cunningham has just leapfrogged Luka Doncic as far as top five players in the NBA in my eyes.
Jaylen Brown is in that conversation right now as well. You know why? Forget the point that he gave them 40-piece off flats, it’s the eight rebounds, it’s the 13 assists, and Cade Cunningham plays both sides of the basketball. Jaylen Brown plays both sides of the basketball.”
The statement instantly ignited debate across NBA circles. For years, Doncic has been widely regarded as a top-tier superstar and offensive engine. However, Perkins’ argument hinges on two-way impact — an area where he believes Cunningham and Jaylen Brown currently hold the edge.
Detroit’s rise elevates Cade Cunningham’s profile
Cunningham’s leadership has transformed the Pistons into legitimate championship contenders. Beyond scoring explosions, his all-around stat lines — including rebounding and playmaking — have become central to Detroit’s success.
The Pistons’ unexpected dominance in the Eastern Conference has amplified the spotlight. With MVP buzz intensifying, Cade Cunningham’s ability to impact both ends of the floor is reshaping perceptions about his standing among the league’s elite.
Luka Doncic slips in Perkins’ rankings
Perkins’ evaluation effectively pushes Luka Doncic to sixth in his top-player hierarchy. While Doncic remains one of the NBA’s most gifted offensive talents, the emphasis on defensive contributions and complete floor presence has tilted this particular ranking.
As the playoffs approach, the debate is only set to intensify. If Cunningham continues steering Detroit toward the league’s best record, the once-unthinkable claim — that he has surpassed Doncic — may gain even more traction.
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