CHICAGO >> Cade Cunningham will be busy in San Francisco during NBA All-Star Weekend. On Sunday, he will represent the Detroit Pistons in the 2025 NBA All-Star Game, which will be played under the new four-team format.

But 24 hours prior to making his All-Star debut, Cunningham will be one of eight players participating in the 3-Point Contest. His selection was surprising, given that the anticipated choice might have been Pistons teammate Malik Beasley.

In the past, the league has had teammates competing in the 3-Point Contest together. After all, Beasley participated in the event last season alongside Damian Lillard, then a Milwaukee Bucks teammate. However, Beasley declined his invitation this year so that Cunningham could enjoy the honor of being the Pistons’ lone representative.

“I am happy for him,” Beasley said. “He told me if I was going to be in it, he wasn’t going to be in it. If I wasn’t in it, he was … If he wins, I win. I am happy for him.”

Beasley’s choice not to participate in the competition exemplifies what has made him a key part of Detroit’s culture this season. Pistons team president Trajan Langdon described Beasley as a player who consistently prioritizes the team over his own well-being. Additionally, he has been one of the most influential voices as a veteran leader.

At times, Beasley’s commanding presence has proven more valuable than his contributions on the court, amid averages of 16.4 points on 40.9% shooting from beyond the arc.

“Everybody sees the shot-making, but for us, we see what happens behind the scenes,” coach J.B. Bickerstaff said. “We see what happens at practice. We see what happens during those one-on-one conversations. It’s hard to put into words how much we value him.”

Given his experience, Beasley would have had the upper hand in the contest. But instead of using his knowledge for his own gain, he aims to share his teachings with Cunningham, with the goal of watching his teammate become the new 3-point champion.

Last season, during the 3-Point Contest, Beasley scored 20 points, one point shy of advancing to the second round. Lillard defended his title in Indianapolis.

“There are some things that if you have been there, you now know,” Beasley said. “I wish I had known a few things when I was there last time. But I am going to help him out.”

The willingness to help Cunningham thrive in the 3-Point Contest is a testament to one of the responsibilities Beasley adopted upon arriving as a free agent in July. He desired to be more than a spot-up shooter for Cunningham. He wanted to share each of the characteristics that made him a high-volume shooter throughout his nine-year career.

The two respective parties have worked together since the offseason. As a result, Cunningham’s work alongside Beasley has led to him shooting 35.2% on 3-point shooting while nailing a career-best 2.3 triples per game.

“The spirit that he brings and the energy that he brings; it uplifts the people around him,” Bickerstaff said. “His willingness to uplift the people around him, he has been more than just a shooter. As a coaching staff, we understand how valuable he is to us. His preparation as a mentor to the young guys because he competes and plays games. So what is it he is doing before and after practice to be able to play and be effective.”

Although Beasley has decided to step aside to give Cunningham the spotlight, he will remain the Pistons’ top 3-point shooter during the latter half of the season.

In the last two games, Beasley has totaled 14 3-point field goals, shooting 42.4% from beyond the arc while averaging 26.5 points. As he heads into Tuesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, Beasley ranks second for the most 3-point field goals made this season, with a total of 205 triples. He trails Timberwolves All-Star guard Anthony Edwards, who has made a league-best 220.

Ahead of the NBA trade deadline, Langdon honored Beasley’s wish not to be traded to another team. The decision will allow the Pistons to continue benefiting from Beasley’s selfless leadership during their season of revival.

“To be able to talk to your GM is huge; to have that relationship,” Beasley said. “I told him from the jump that I wanted to be here. I want to help build this organization up. I want to be the vet … I am happy to be here. I want to continue staying here, and let’s keep it going.”