There’s a lot of excitement surrounding Detroit Pistons rookie guard Cade Cunningham but fans may have to wait just a bit longer than expected before seeing him take the court.
Per Rod Beard of the Detroit News, Cunningham suffered a minor ankle earlier in the week and it will likely keep him out for the Pistons’ preseason opener.
Following Tuesday’s practice, Pistons head coach Dwane Casey spoke to Beard about Cunningham’s status for Detroit’s matchup against the San Antonio Spurs.
“I would say close to (declaring him out). Nobody’s told me that but if he couldn’t go today, I don’t see him miraculously coming around and being ready to go tomorrow,” Casey said. “He’s going to need two or three practices under his belt before he’s ready to roll.”
Despite Cunningham likely missing tomorrow’s game, Beard reports that there is still not much concern over the ankle injury for the rookie guard.
Cunningham, the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, averaged 18.7 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game in Summer League, shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 50.0 percent from 3-point range.
The Pistons will kick off their preseason on Wednesday night at 7 PM (EST). Their regular-season opener is set for Oct. 20, where they will face the new-look Chicago Bulls.
