Cade Cunningham MVP case in doubt after collapsed lung diagnosis

Cade Cunningham was putting together the best season of his career and just establishing himself in the NBA MVP conversation before a sudden health setback cast uncertainty over his campaign.

The Detroit Pistons star has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung, an injury that is expected to sideline him for at least a few weeks as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Now, the question isn’t just how long he’ll be out, but whether he can still remain a serious MVP contender.

The 65-game rule could be the biggest factor for Cunningham’s MVP chances

The NBA’s MVP award comes with a key requirement: players must appear in at least 65 games to be eligible.

Cunningham had played 61 games at the time of his injury, putting him just four games short of that threshold.

That means even a relatively short absence could have major consequences. If he misses too many games and fails to reach 65, he would automatically become ineligible for the award, regardless of his performance.

Before the injury, Cunningham was producing at an elite level. He’s averaging roughly 24.5 points and nearly 10 assists per game, placing him among the league’s most productive and impactful players. His all-around play has been a major reason why Detroit has surged to the top of the Eastern Conference standings.

In most seasons, that kind of production combined with the team’s success would make a strong MVP case.

Injuries late in the season tend to carry more weight in award races. Voters often lean toward players who finish strong and remain consistently available down the stretch. Missing games in March and April can shift momentum to other candidates who are still on the court delivering big performances.

Even if Cunningham returns before the playoffs, the missed time could weaken his case compared to other MVP contenders.

Is there still a path to MVP for Cunningham?

There is still a scenario where Cunningham remains in the race. If his absence is brief and he reaches the 65-game minimum, he could still be considered, especially if he returns quickly and performs at a high level to close the season. However, the margin for error is now extremely small.

The Pistons’ priority will be Cunningham’s health, not individual awards. They are positioning themselves for a deep playoff run, and ensuring their star guard is fully recovered will matter far more than MVP voting.

Still, from an individual standpoint, this injury has introduced real uncertainty into what had been a breakthrough, potentially award-winning season. Cunningham’s MVP hopes aren’t officially over, but they are now hinging on a quick recovery.

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