Detroit Pistons star Cade Cunningham will miss at least the next two weeks due to a collapsed lung, the team revealed Thursday.
The 24-year-old is in the midst of yet another strong season, averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game. Thanks to his contributions, the Pistons are 49-19 entering play Thursday, good enough to lead the Eastern Conference.
The team merely said Cunningham would be re-evaluated in two weeks, so it’s unclear when the star will return to the court. During an appearance on ESPN, NBA insider Shams Charania said “there is some optimism” Cunningham could make it back during the playoffs. The Pistons have just 14 regular-season games left in the regular season.
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In the team’s statement, the Pistons implied Cunningham sustained the injury while going after a loose ball during Tuesday’s game. He had to leave the contest after falling to the floor, and was initially diagnosed with back spasms.
Following the contest, Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff declined to provide more specifics regarding Cunningham’s injury, saying, “I don’t have enough information.”
The injury could prove costly in a number of ways. Losing Cunningham for multiple games will obviously hurt the Pistons, who have played like championship contenders when Cunningham is on the floor.
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The issue could also hurt Cunningham individually. Cunningham was on pace to receive MVP votes and potentially make the All-NBA team for the second-straight season. But the fifth-year pro has played in just 61 games this season. In order to be eligible for year-end awards, NBA players have to take part in at least 65 games.
Unless Cunningham can make it back in time to play in four more regular-season games, it seems likely he’ll be ineligible for those honors due to the injury.