MIAMI — On Wednesday, Cade Cunningham became the first Detroit Pistons player this season to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols. On Thursday, roughly two hours before the Pistons took on the Miami Heat, Cunningham was joined by several of his teammates.
Killian Hayes, Isaiah Stewart, Saben Lee and Rodney McGruder have entered protocols, according to league sources. Including Cheick Diallo, who the team signed to a 10-day contract on Thursday, they could have up to 10 players available. The league requires at least eight players to be available to avoid postponement.
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The Pistons had previously been untouched by the COVID outbreak that has affected the NBA in recent weeks. As of Wednesday, more than 100 players had entered the protocols this season. Several games have been postponed, including the Pistons’ game against the Chicago Bulls that was initially scheduled for Dec. 14.
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