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Detroit Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham is voicing his thoughts on the Charlotte Hornets brawl and picking a side.
When it comes to the debate of the NBA’s 65-game rule for end-of-year awards, the Detroit Pistons‘ superstar, Cade Cunningham, is getting plenty of support as he recently went down with an injury.
With Cunningham on pace to potentially miss the final few weeks of action, he is going to struggle to reach the 65-game minimum, which would qualify him for awards.
Coming to Cunningham’s defense is one of his division rivals, Bobby Portis.
What Did Bobby Portis Say About Cade Cunningham?
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 09: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on November 09, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
“Obviously, injuries are a part of our game, and it’s real,” Portis said on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show.
“I don’t like how, if you get injured, then you’re affected by the awards. I don’t think that’s fair, because, you know, you never know when someone’s going to hurt. You can’t really call that out, especially a punctured lung like Cade Cunningham. I don’t think that’s fair for him to be out of the race.”
Portis went on to explain that even if the NBA shaved the number down to 60 games, that would be more beneficial, despite it being a five-game difference.
via Run It Back on FDTV, X: Bobby Portis on the 65-Game Rule affecting Cade Cunningham:
“I don’t think it’s fair for him to be out of the race. They have to change the rule…65 is brutal…there’s a lot more wear and tear in today’s game.”
“I understand, like in the old age, guys play 82 games. Guys try to play every game, but, you know, they walking the ball up the court. You know, they scores are way lower than what our scores is now, guys getting up and down. Soon as a guy get out the rim, we’ll get the rebound off the rim. They pushing. They ain’t looking for no guard. They pushing it up. So it’s definitely a faster pace game, up-tempo game, and a lot of more wear and tear,” Portis added.
Where Will Cade Cunningham Finish?
GettyMIAMI, FLORIDA – MARCH 08: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles the ball against Bam Adebayo #13 of the Miami Heat during the first quarter at Kaseya Center on March 08, 2026 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
If Cunningham doesn’t return until the playoffs, he’ll end his 2025-2026 run with 61 games played.
This year, Cunningham produced 24.5 points per game, while shooting 46.1% from the field and hitting on 34.6% from three.
Outside of his scoring, Cunningham averaged 9.9 assists per game, along with 5.6 rebounds per game. For the second year in a row, Cunningham was an All-Star. He was also gaining some early MVP discussion and was certainly in the running for another All-NBA nod.
Cunningham last played for the Pistons on March 17. He appeared on the court for five minutes against the Washington Wizards. After going down with his injury, Cunningham missed the last six games for Detroit. Monday’s action in Oklahoma City will mark seven in a row.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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