See Detroit Pistons for free and first look at Cade Cunningham

Among the many things the pandemic had wiped away last season was the free open practice that Detroit Pistons could attend during training camp., Maybe not exactly the most crucial thing, but it was a chance for families to see the players in person, free of charge.

While things are not exactly back to normal, the open practice is back.

There is a heck of a lot of anticipation for a team that won 20 games last year, and are not projected to win much more this season. But the Detroit Pistons, and their fans, have never been an ordinary team.

Unless you flew out to Las Vegas for summer league, Pistons fans have not had a chance to see Cade Cunningham and the other rookies in person.

Last year, Detroit had a brief, and closed to the public, training camp due to Michigan health protocols. This year, the fans will get a chance, at no charge too!

On Saturday, October 9, the Pistons will hold an open practice at Little Caesars Arena beginning at 3 p.m. (doors open at 2 p.m.). There is no fee to get in, but you do have to have tickets so, you know, 50,000 do not just pop up.

For free tickets to the practice, go here. The team says please sign out of your own Ticketmaster account before going to the page, people have experienced problems when still in their personal Ticketmaster account.

The first 1,000 ticketholders will get a Pistons giveaway item. The Pistons Entertainment Team will also be there, and there will be photo opportunities with mascot Hooper.

Since the opener against the Chicago Bulls would be almost two weeks away, Detroit’s entire training camp roster should be there.

That means, besides the big names, others new to the team like Luka Garza (now officially a Piston), Anthony Tarke, Jamorko Pinkett and (reportedly) Cassius Stanley, who might eventually be sent to play with the Motor City Cruise in the G-League, will still be there to see in action.

Of course, this will be No. 1 overall draft pick Cade Cunningham’s first chance to play in front of the hometown fans. He should get a warm welcome, as he was the choice of most fans to draft.

Trey Lyles will also be making his debut. How he is received, after past comments dissing the city of Detroit, might be interesting.

The only players not expected to participate are second-round pick Isaiah Livers of Michigan and two-way player Chris Smith out of UCLA. Both are still recovering from injuries.

Not the most momentous event, but it is still nice that one piece of normality has returned for Pistons fans.