On Thursday morning, Cade Cunningham proclaimed himself the best American player in the NBA through a feature story in GQ magazine.

Players often express such sentiments, claiming to be the best in the world, and on many nights, they may have a valid argument. However, this bold declaration puts him squarely in the spotlight.

Although he ranks in MVP discussions (currently sitting fourth according to NBA.com), recognition remains scarce. In ESPN’s latest minimetrics for MVP voting, behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic, he holds a solid third place. FanDuel currently lists him at +700, making him the third favorite overall.

Despite the competitive nature of these rankings, many believe Cunningham deserves more appreciation regarding his performance. He is the focal point for the best team in the league, with the Detroit Pistons sitting right on top with an impressive record of 41-13.

The Pistons recently dominated the Knicks once again, with Cunningham shining brightly in the absence of All-Stars Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart, scoring 42 points while also contributing 13 assists, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal.

Cunningham’s averages put him in an elite category alongside Jokic, as both consistently post more than 23 points and 9 assists per game, the latter being an area in which he excels, leading the league with an average of 9.6 assists.

With defenses tightening due to his improved shooting, Cunningham’s performance greatly influences the offense. His scoring ability and impact are evident every time he steps on the floor. Nevertheless, he finds himself overshadowed by elite peers.

When examining the MVP race, particularly against Luka Doncic, the focus often shifts to defense or overall impact, which Cunningham fulfills commendably. His role in resurrecting the Pistons from a historically poor record to their current status cannot be overlooked. Presently, he should garner much more attention than he has received.

As the focus shifts to postseason potential, Cunningham’s overall performance merits commendation for this year’s MVP conversation.