Kendrick Perkins Sparks Debate With Cade Cunningham Take Over Luka Dončić
Detroit’s Luka Dončić has been a scoring beast all season, but on Feb. 20, 2026, former NBA champ and ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins dropped a bomb in the basketball world. He boldly claimed Cade Cunningham has leapfrogged Luka in the current top‑five NBA player rankings, sparking heated debate among fans and pundits alike.
SHORT TOPICS’ RELEVANT SPORTS DETAILS
On Feb. 20, 2026, former NBA champ Kendrick Perkins stirred the league by saying Cade Cunningham has “leapfrogged” Luka Dončić in his personal top‑five NBA players list. Perkins ranks Cunningham just behind Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokić with Dončić just outside that elite bracket. His claim centers on Cunningham’s two‑way play and Detroit’s dominant 41‑13 record. Meanwhile, Luka Dončić continues to lead the league in scoring and remains a cornerstone for the Lakers’ offense in 2025‑26.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS SUMMARY — Who Has The Edge?
Cunningham’s 2025‑26 numbers are elite: ~25.7 points, 9.7 assists, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, while anchoring the NBA’s best team. Detroit’s balanced attack and defensive growth fuel its rising stock. Dončić, on the other hand, leads the league in scoring (32.8 PPG) and is the Lakers’ go‑to star, but defensive gaps show up in analytics and recent MVP tweak lists.
SUPPORTING INSIGHTS FROM OTHER COMMENTATORS
Some analysts back Perkins, noting Cunningham’s all‑around game and Detroit’s surge. Others still see Dončić as the more complete offensive force in the MVP chase.
Final Remarks
Cunningham’s rise is real, but Luka’s reign isn’t over.
Disclaimer: The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
