Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham’s injury creates opportunity
The 2021 Draft’s first overall pick, Cade Cunningham, has sustained an injury that could limit his play in the Detroit Pistons preseason.
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A report by The Detroit News‘ Rod Beard indicates the rookie will miss some portion of the preseason schedule. Head coach Dwane Casey has said Cade Cunningham is unlikely to play in Detroit’s preseason opener against the San Antonio Spurs in Little Caesar’s Arena. Beard’s report indicates it could be a little longer.
#Pistons Dwane Casey says Cade Cunningham likely will need 2 or 3 practices before he's ready to play. That could put Monday at Memphis in question as well.
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) October 5, 2021
Cunningham sustained a turned ankle during Pistons training camp. Casey has listed no timetable for his return. The veteran head coach has voiced his concerns about integrating Cunningham back into the team when he does recover.
"“My concern from a coaching standpoint is the expectation of him coming back and picking it up like that. That doesn’t happen, so I’m leaving it to the medical people to get him back and get him ready to go as quickly as possible.” -Dwane Casey"
While Cade Cunningham’s ankle injury does not appear to be serious, he will miss at least the preseason opener, if not a couple more games. With Cunningham sidelined, opportunities to run Detroit’s offense have opened themselves up for second-year point guards Killian Hayes and Saben Lee.
The two young guards should get a chance to showcase their skills and growth in Cade Cunningham’s absence, but what can we expect to see?
Hayes in particular has plenty to prove after a rookie season that was marred by inconsistency and injury.