SAN FRANCISCO >> The 2025 NBA All-Star Weekend has come and gone, marking a monumental milestone for Cade Cunningham. The Detroit Pistons star guard was a prime participant as a first-time All-Star, which solidified his place as one of the league’s most premier talents.

After helping the Pistons enter the break on a four-game winning streak, Cunningham landed in San Francisco on Thursday and had a nonstop schedule. He made a handful of guest appearances, including meet-and-greets, and completed a variety of media obligations.When he wasn’t busy, Cunningham spent his nights at Chase Center. On Friday, he supported teammate Ausar Thompson during the Rising Stars Game. The following night, Cunningham finished sixth in the 3-point shooting contest before concluding his weekend in the 74th All-Star game on Sunday.

Cunningham had dreamed of attending All-Star Weekend since he watched the event as a kid in 2010, when the league held the festivities in his hometown of Arlington, Texas.

Fifteen years later, The Detroit News had a firsthand look at Cunningham’s experience as a first-time All-Star.

“It was a lot of fun being here, just blessed,” Cunningham said. “I’m just riding the wave, enjoying the experience and staying in the moment.

“There are a lot more behind-the-scenes stuff that I obviously did not know about. A lot more work and getting pulled in different directions. But it’s been a lot of fun and something I want to keep doing every year for sure.”

Here are four observations that stood out:

The new format was a doozy

As part of the new format, Cunningham’s All-Star game experience was over in the blink of an eye. He played for Team Kenny’s Young Stars, which lost 41-32 to Chuck’s Global Stars. By losing the first game of the mini-tournament, Team Kenny became a minor footnote that made the squad slightly irrelevant.

Joining Cunningham as part of Team Kenny’s Young Stars were Jalen Brunson, Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State), Jalen Williams, Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Tyler Herro. Anthony Edwards was also a part of the team, but did not play due to a groin injury.

Although he only played five minutes, Cunningham had one of the most impressive highlights of the night. He connected on a one-handed dunk with Victor Wembanyama attempting a block from behind. He played five minutes, finishing with five points and a rebound.

“It was a lot of fun; its amazing to be here,” Cunningham said after the game. “It’s been a dream for me. To have done it now, it was fun.”

In response to negative feedback, the league will likely implement further modifications to the contest and could have a new format by February 2026, coinciding with the All-Star Game at Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome.

What’s next for Cunningham?

Throughout the weekend, Cunningham expressed his gratitude for his first All-Star selection. There were a handful of moments when he was left speechless when trying to express what the honor meant to him personally. However, he was adamant about not letting this be his lone selection.

He expressed his desire to become a multi-time All-Star and a regular participant at the annual event. While he looks forward to earning the honor again, he has shifted his priorities to focus on the greater good of the team rather than solely on his personal achievements.

Having achieved an All-Star selection, Cunningham now is focused on qualifying for the playoffs and winning a postseason series as his next goal. He also expressed his aspirations for a championship, which he believes would enhance his legacy as one of the all-time greats in Pistons history.

Just Do It Cade

Cunningham’s ascension to becoming an All-Star has led to Nike featuring the former No. 1 pick more often this season. In January, Nike unveiled Cunningham’s signature logo. The emblem, which takes the form of a star, pays homage to his initials in a double C design. Since its release, he has worn the logo on a variety of custom shoes and colorways.

To celebrate his first All-Star appearance, Nike showcased Detroit’s star guard in a “Style By Cade Cunningham” campaign to promote various apparel. Cunningham enjoyed the experience, and is eager to grow his brand and relationship with the company. If he can transition from being an All-Star to becoming a superstar, a signature shoe may be in development soon.

“I love Nike; it’s what I always wanted to wear,” Cunningham said. “To be able to do that was a huge deal for me. I am looking forward to continue growing our relationship.”

Cunningham’s popularity

Cunningham’s initial experience as an NBA All-Star reflected his rising popularity in the league. He was one of six first-timers participating in the midseason showcase and received the second-loudest applause among his peers during team introductions. Wembanyama was the only other first-time All-Star who garnered a louder reception than Cunningham.

However, the game wasn’t the only occasion when Cunningham received an outpouring of fanfare. Throughout the weekend, whether introduced as a guest for the Rising Stars Game or a participant in the 3-point contest, fans continued to show their deep appreciation for the Pistons’ star with a handful of roars.