J.B. Bickerstaff has worked wonders with his Detroit Pistons team. They’re currently positioned as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference and are in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) defends against Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena. David Reginek-Imagn Images

The turnaround from last year has been one of this season’s best storylines, with Cade Cunningham leading the charge.

Cunningham, 23, has begun to make good on the potential that saw him cited as a future superstar during the 2021 draft cycle.

He’s averaging 25.8 points, 6.3 rebounds and 9.5 assists per game, shooting 46% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range.

Now, it would appear that Cunningham is earning the praise and attention of his peers.

Speaking during his postgame news conference following the Pistons’ 106-97 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, former MVP James Harden joined the growing list of players to uplift the young guard.

“He’s finally healthy, finally has some pieces he can work with. Shooting, bigs, defenders, and the result of that is he’s playing like one of the best players in the league,” Harden said. “Kudos to him, he’s done an unbelievable job this year and he’s gonna continue to get better.”

Earning praise from your peers is always encouraging. But, when that peer is a former MVP, and a future Hall of Fame candidate, the endorsement rings a little louder.

Cunningham is showing all the signs of a future star, which is why he made his first All-Star appearance this season. He’s also leading the Pistons toward the first postseason appearance since 2019.

Harden understands what elite-level guard play looks like. For a long time, he was the one setting those standards. Now, with thatn era of guards starting to fade out, Cunningham (and Tyrese Haliburton) look set to carry the torch.

It may have taken four years for the Pistons to give Cunningham the right supporting cast, but now that they have, he’s flourishing.

It won’t be too long before Cunningham is leading the Pistons toward a top-three seed and postseason contention. For now, though, he will likely settle for recognition from stars that came before him.