The Detroit Pistons just got the devastating news that Cade Cunningham’s injury is far more serious than originally expected, which is the worst-case scenario.
Shams Charania reported that what was first called a “contusion” has now been diagnosed as a collapsed lung that will keep Cunningham out for an extended period.
Just in: Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham has been diagnosed with a collapsed lung and is expected to miss an extended period of time, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/JIHABIIOY5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) March 19, 2026
First off, all basketball things aside, we have to hope Cade is all right, as this is a serious health issue, not a minor injury. Cunningham is not only the heart and soul of this team, but a good guy who does a lot in Detroit, so I want to see him healthy, and my thoughts are with him first and foremost.
But it’s the cherry on top of a season that is rapidly spiraling out of control for the Pistons.
If Cade Cunningham is out, the season is over
It’s not hyperbole to say that if Cunningham is out for the season, which he may very well be, this season is officially over.
The Pistons have questionable offense, shot creation and scoring with their best player and engine of the team, so without him they are basically a lottery team with Jalen Duren.
It’s too soon to know what “extended period of time” means, but it doesn’t sound good, and this isn’t the type of thing the Pistons can rush. Cade’s health is the most important thing here, even if it means giving up on an otherwise amazing season.
Of course, you won’t be able to tell the rest of the Pistons that, and I am sure they will rally around their leader. They’ve embraced this mentality all season and are on the cusp of 50 wins, so they have guys who can step up in the short term.
Even if they do, it will be tough for the Pistons to hold onto their number one seed without Cade Cunningham in the lineup, as the cupcake schedule they’ve been enjoying is about to get a lot tougher with games against the Lakers, Hawks, Timberwolves, Thunder and Raptors looming.
I am no doctor, so won’t speculate, but we have to hope “collapsed lung” sounds a lot worse than it is, and that Cade’s is on the minor side, which could keep him out for just a few weeks.
The Pistons have been tested with injuries all season, but this will be the biggest one at the worst possible time with the playoffs looming, but you can’t write this team off if there is any chance he’ll return this season.
It's time to find out what the rest of the Detroit Pistons are made of.