Cade Cunningham must be completely healthy for the Detroit Pistons to be successful this season.
Therefore, even though it is still just the preseason, it was alarming when Cade missed practice due to quad tendinitis despite being informed the issue was “minor.”
Given the many injuries the Pistons have had over the last several seasons and the fact that they are constructing their team around Cade Cunningham, I don’t believe it was out of the ordinary for supporters to worry about a player who was out for almost the entire previous campaign.
We recognize that this is “just preseason,” but we also recognize the value of practice for a young team and the impact another injury to Cade Cunningham would have on the Detroit Pistons.
Cade is dunking and moving fine, in case you were still freaking out over him missing a preseason game.
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) October 15, 2023
We can all take a big breath now that it seems that Cunningham is okay for the time being.
Cade Cunningham looks to be alright, and the Detroit Pistons were only being careful
Several Pistons beat journalists report that Cade Cunningham has participated fully in practice and doesn’t seem injured:
Personally, I didn’t see many supporters “freaking out,” but I don’t believe it’s crazy to worry about your franchise player who just missed a season. This is particularly true if the team has a history of being less than honest, leading to “minor” ailments that weren’t what we were told they were.
Jalen Duren, who hurt his ankle and has already been declared out for Thursday’s preseason rematch with the Thunder, is still without any fresh information. After coming off a 17-win season marred by injuries, I can give the supporters some room to “freak out” over injuries.
Cade seems to be in good health while practicing here and should be back in the starting lineup on Thursday.
GUARDS THREE POINT SHOOTING
Cade Cunningham and Marcus Sasser were on FIRE 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HxzGgrgM1H
— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) October 16, 2023
I don’t pay attention to the supporters who make absurd comments on social media because, as James Edwards III is correct, a few of them went too far. Most of them were the usual Cade haters I often hear from, the ones who have already written him off as a failure. The mute button is a helpful tool.
Many of us, though, would just want to see this club play with all of its players, which has been unusual during the last three seasons. Therefore, it’s encouraging to see Cade Cunningham working out once again, but it will be much more encouraging to see him return to the court fully healthy.
