As if the recent stretch for the Detroit Pistons couldn't get any worse, the season now seems to be on the brink after the sudden injury news for MVP candidate Cade Cunningham.
After exiting in just five minutes of action against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night to what the team initially labeled as back spasms, reports revealed on Thursday that Cunningham would be sidelined indefinitely with a collpased lung.
So now what?
Detroit's backcourt depth was already questionable with second-year man Daniss Jenkins and Marcus Sasser backing Cunningham up.
And while the two playmakers have shown flashes in their limited role, there hasn't been enough to offer confidence that either guard can fill in for the team's star.
With serious championship aspirations for the Pistons, it's clear the team hopes that Cunningham can return at some point this season, but until then, Detroit may have to consider external options, especially if they can't trust their internal choices.
That said, here's a look at three signings that Detroit could consider depending on just how desperate they truly are.
G Cole Anthony
Cole Anthony's career decline genuinely should be studied after his impressive college career led him to become a first-round selection by the Orlando Magic, where he showed plenty of high-upside in his first few years.
Fast forward to now, Anthony's become a bit of a journeymen after being dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies, where he eventually got bought out and signed with the Milwaukee Bucks just to get traded once again ahead of the deadline.
Now, he finds himself as a free agent, who's eligible to join a contending team.
Will he replace Cunningham seamlessly in the lineup? No, but Anthony does offer offensive upside, shooting 41.9% from field goal range and 34.3% from beyond the arc throughout his six-year career.
And if you don't like option one, maybe option two will standout? (it won't)
G Lonzo Ball
Lonzo Ball's a former top pick who's career trajectory also took a turn for the worst.
When healthy, the defensive versatility for the guard has offered plenty for teams to like, which alone could make him an enticing pickup for a defensive-minded coach like J.B. Bickerstaff.
Still, the injury concerns from his ongoing knee issues and abysmal shooting splits from his stretch with the Cleveland Cavaliers to start the season may not be enough for the Pistons to be willing to take that swing.
With that said, this leads us to door No. 3 and you probably won't like what's behind this door either.
G Ben Simmons
This list is quietly turning into former first-round picks who's careers went bust.
Everyone is familiar with Simmons struggles with confidence in Philadelphia, which eventually led to a fresh start in Brooklyn that seemed to derail his career completely.
There's no denying that the 6-foot-10 point forward is a good passer, and when healthy, the playmaking skillset mixed with his defensive abilities make him an intriguing addition for any team.
The problem is, Simmons hasn't been fully healthy for quite some time, which in turn led him to explore other avenues outside of basketball in the offseason.
Simmons hasn't played all year, but if Detroit really is desperate, maybe it's worth seeing if he's in game shape and willing to join a contender?
Regardless, it feels like the Pistons may need to pivot and make a move, that is unless they trust their young guards to fill in.