Cade Cunningham
23.9 PPG · 5.5 REB · 9.9 AST
JS
60IMPACTJ.R. Smith
2.8 PPG · 0.8 REB · 0.5 AST
VS
3–0
categories
Cunningham leads the head-to-head, 3 categories to 0.
Rebuildvs
The two-way profile
Cunningham 7Smith 1
Balladex DNA ratings (0–99). Cunningham wins 7 of 8 attribute battles.
Tale of the tape
23.9
12.4
5.5
3.1
9.9
2.1
Career scoring arc points per game · by season
Cunningham peak 26.1Smith peak 18.1
The trophy case edge: Smith
1× All-NBA First Team (2026)2× NBA All-Star (2025, 2026)1× All-Rookie First Team (2022)
🏆
2× NBA Champion2013 Sixth Man of the Year
The verdict
Cunningham holds the edge, leading in 3 of 3 categories (points / game, rebounds / game, assists / game). Smith answers in the intangibles — which is exactly why this is the marquee debate.
76Cunningham · Star starter
Balladex Impact Index
60Smith · Solid starter
Card value — head to head
Cade Cunningham
$130
Falling
5-yr outlook-7%
Legacy floor15%
J.R. Smith
$29
Cemented legacy
5-yr outlook+35% ▲
Legacy floor100%
Card verdictCade Cunningham is the more valuable card today ($130 vs. $29). J.R. Smith carries more projected upside (+35% vs. -7% over five years).
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