Can the Detroit Pistons win without Cade Cunningham? The short answer is probably not, but maybe.
The Detroit Pistons are 3-33 with him in the lineup this season, so it can’t get much worse - but it’s hard to see a world where they find a way to win without him out there running the offense.
As it’s being reported, Cade Cunningham will be reevaluated in 7 to 10 days, but many are saying he avoided any serious injury knee injury.
Cade Cunningham will be re-evaluated in 7 to 10 days, Pistons say. https://t.co/4fXXwVZGnc
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 9, 2024
Pushing the timetable back a week sure doesn’t ease any of the anxiety that Pistons fans may be experiencing. We have seen this before and we aren’t fully in the clear until we are positive Cade has avoided the “S” word.
Surgery would be just another nail in the coffin that is this season.
Without getting into any big picture discussions about roster construction, ownership, or God forbid mock drafts, I think it’s a healthy exercise to look at the Pistons schedule and see where they might find a win without Cade in lineup.
Another quick note, before injury Cade was averaging 22.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. His shooting percentages had jumped up and it seemed like he was getting more comfortable out there.
It’s inarguable that Cade has been great this season despite playing on a really bad team.
With him out, the Pistons will turn to Jaden Ivey to run the show, with Bodganovic getting some more leading possessions. It also would be smart to role Ausar Thompson out there more, but that’s a whole different conversation.
Detroit Pistons schedule: Life without Cade Cunningham
Over the next 10 days the Pistons play five games in total. Pending something crazy happening, the Kings, Rockets, and Timberwolves will likely be losses.
Maybe with Cade the Pistons could challenge Houston, but I just don’t see it happening without him out there.
There are two winnable games, even without Cade Cunningham and that’s because they are against the two other worst teams in the league.
On January 10th, the Pistons host the Spurs, who are 5-30 despite having a decent amount of talent. It seems like emotions are bubbling over in San Antonio and a loss to the Cade-less Pistons could be the breaking point.
Another game to circle is the one we’ve all been waiting for, playing the Wizards on January 15th. This is a battle between the two worst teams in the Eastern Conference and a very important game if either squad wants to avoid any lowest winning percentage records at the end of the season.
Tell me why this game isn’t on national TV?
Moving forward from there, it will only get tougher if Cade has to miss any more time. There are games against the Bucks, Thunder, Cavs, Lakers, and Suns all before the All-Star Break.
For now, I’m choosing to assume that Cade will be back to his old self this season, but I do understand if fans are finding it hard to remain positive.
I’m also choosing to believe that they will win one of these games without Cade, likely against either San Antonio or Washington.
We’ve made it through some tough times Pistons fans, but stay strong and remember that one day we will be back to our winning ways.