The Detroit Pistons are concerned that guard Cade Cunningham has a stress fracture in his left shin and is out indefinitely, two people familiar with the situation confirmed to USA TODAY Sports.
The people requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly until the Pistons made an official announcement.
The second-year guard from Oklahoma State has missed the Pistons’ past five games, last playing Nov. 9 against Boston.
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Detroit is contemplating options for Cunningham who is averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists but shooting just 41.5% from the field and 27.9% on 3-pointers. An MRI can confirm the extent of the injury, and rest is the immediate solution but if that doesn’t work, surgery is also a possibility.
Surgery would provide a clearer timeline on his recovery and could ultimately be the best option, but would also lead to him missing significant action. Cunningham will make a decision over the next couple of days.
It’s a tough setback for a team that has been battered by injuries early. The Pistons are 3-14 and in last place in the Eastern Conference.
Contributing: Omari Sankofa II, Detroit Free Press
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