The Cade Cunningham truth no one wants to say out loud

Cade Cunningham’s collapsed lung was a dramatic and unfortunate twist on the Detroit Pistons’ season, but if he can return, it might be the best thing that ever happened to them. 

The Pistons were immediately written off when it was revealed that Cunningham would be out for an extended period, but someone forgot to tell the team, as they’ve kept rolling without him. 

Detroit is 11-4 this season without Cade Cunningham, and one of those losses was the recent heartbreaker to OKC that they should have won even though they were missing four starters and Isaiah Stewart. 

While these 15 games represent a fairly small sample size, the Pistons have shot the ball better without Cade Cunningham in the lineup this season from both the field and 3-point range. Detroit is up from 48.1 to 48.9 percent from the field without Cade and up to 36.7 percent from long range, nearly two points better than when Cade is playing. 

Detroit also averages nearly three more assists per game without Cade in the lineup, which is counterintuitive, as he is near the top of the league in assists this season. It’s a small sample, but the Pistons offense has been less heliocentric in these 15 games without Cunningham. 

That’s not to say the Pistons are better without their best player, as that’s clearly not true, but his recent absence could end up being a blessing in disguise for Detroit. 

Cade Cunningham will be fresh for the playoffs 

The Pistons aren’t going to go far in the playoffs without Cade, so getting him back, healthy and in game shape is crucial. 

It would obviously be better if he were in there sharpening his skills with his teammates, but at least Cunningham should have fresh legs for the playoffs, something that affected him last year. 

Cunningham couldn’t buy a 3-point shot in the playoffs last season and did look worn down after carrying a similar offensive burden to the one he’s had this season. The collapsed lung is going to cost him a spot on the All-NBA team, but this extra rest should have him raring to go when he does return. 

The other Pistons are confident  

Perhaps the biggest revelation since Cunningham’s injury has been the emergence of Jalen Duren, who has looked like a star since becoming the first scoring option. His ability to get his own bucket is something the Pistons will desperately need in the playoffs, and it’s a great thing that he’s getting those reps now. 

The confidence he’s gaining will be huge for Detroit, who turns to Cunningham too much at times and now have another option. 

Duren isn’t the only one, as Daniss Jenkins has been outstanding as a starter in Cade's absence, Ausar Thompson is getting more reps as a ball handler and Kevin Huerter has gotten going in an increased role off the bench and as a starter. 

Obviously, this injury was unfortunate and potentially devastating for the Pistons, but if Cade can come back, it could be a factor in a deep playoff run when other players confidently step up.