Fans of the Detroit Pistons spent the offseason wondering what the team would look like with the addition of number one pick Cade Cunningham.
His debut was delayed by a sprained ankle that the Pistons are insisting is not serious, claiming his absence is just due to an abundance of caution.
#Pistons Dwane Casey on Cade Cunningham: "He wants to play; the medical people are holding him back. You don't want to rush him back if it's not 100%. There are certain movements he has where it's still sore."
— Rod Beard (@detnewsRodBeard) October 23, 2021
I am 100 percent on board with this strategy, as there is no reason to risk further injury to a potential superstar just to get him back a few games earlier in a season in which the Detroit Pistons are not expected to contend anyway.
But the countdown to seeing Cade Cunningham has started, so fans can start to get ready for his debut, which should be soon.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham injury update
The Detroit Pistons are targeting October 30th as the day Cade Cunningham will return from injury. That is a home game against the Orlando Magic, the first game at home after their return from a three-game road trip.
This will allow Cunningham to get a full week of practice under his belt, including some full-speed run with the Pistons’ G-League affiliate the Motor City Cruise.
The Pistons are excited to get Cade Cunningham some 5-on-5 action and the Cruise are excited to help:
Cruise coach DJ Bakker on having Cade Cunningham in practice this week: "The fact that we're in the same building and he can be a part of our practices and we can help him get ready for what's coming, that's a huge part of what we're doing."
— Offseason O (@omarisankofa) October 26, 2021
This is where having a G-League team that is just a few minutes away from your home arena is a huge advantage, as Cade can get the work he needs without the burden of travel.
The Detroit Pistons have started the season 0-3 and really need their young guard, as they have shot the ball terribly and had a hard time initiating offense without him.
It seems like we’ve been waiting a long time for Cade Cunningham to finally play a game for the Detroit Pistons and the good news is that we won’t have to wait much longer.
Little Caesar’s Arena is going to be rocking the night before Halloween when (if) Cade Cunningham finally makes his debut for Detroit.