All-NBA point guard Cade Cunningham has embraced every new phase of his career with the Detroit Pistons. Going into his sixth season in the league, he is now the longest-tenured player on the roster.

This new label for Cunningham comes as a result of the Pistons trading veteran center Isaiah Stewart to the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason. Detroit received three future second-round picks in exchange for the backup big man.

Cunningham opened up what this new leadership will look like for Detroit without Stewart.

“It’s tough. Obviously Stew is my brother, that’s somebody that I planned on playing my whole career with. For him to not be around, it is weird,” Cunningham stated, per Omari Sankofa of the Detroit Free Press. “It feels like I’m a rookie again, like I’m stepping into something new because I don’t have him with me. But I wish him all the best.

“That’s my brother for life, somebody that I’m gonna invite to my wedding. I’ve been through so much with him, and he’s just such a dude that I know he’s gonna make it work over there in Memphis. That’s obviously a tough one for me.”

Stewart played a key part in establishing the foundation and identity for the Pistons. He was drafted in 2020 with high expectations to help mold Detroit's identity. His effort and attention to detail on defense were pivotal to the franchise turnaround.

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Cunningham and Stewart were on the roster together from the historic lows to the recent success. They've both spoken about how struggles like the historic losing streak of 2023-24 shaped them as players and what it meant to stick together after. The Pistons leaned on the experience and leadership of Cunningham and Stewart for direction through their learning phases.

After the heights of last season's finish, Cunningham has even more expectations waiting ahead of him. Detroit concluded the regular season as the No. 1 seed of the Eastern Conference with a 60-22 record.

That success carried over to the postseason as the Pistons made it to the second round of the playoffs. They overcame a first-round 3-1 series deficit against the Orlando Magic. Detroit faced another seven-game series in the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers but ultimately fell short, losing in Game 7.

Now, new expectations are approaching for the Pistons and Cunningham. The 2026-27 season will feature their All-Star point guard as a louder voice in Detroit's locker room. Cunningham seems ready for the challenge and is looking forward to what is next for the Pistons.

“I’m excited. I think the anticipation of it makes you a little anxious, ready to get it going, ready to get the ball out there and just play,” Cunningham expressed. “Like I said, I’ve felt like a rookie again, like I’m stepping into something new a little bit. And there’s excitement and nerves that come with that. I’m thankful for all of that stuff. I work the best job in the world and am excited to get it back going. I just feel blessed.”