Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey reiterated that the organization will not rush rookie Cade Cunningham back from a right ankle injury that has cost him most of training camp.

Cunningham turned his ankle in practice nearly two weeks ago and has been unable to fully participate in training camp. He missed the Pistons’ first two preseason games and does not appear to be close to returning to play in either of the final two contests.

Casey said previously the team will take its time in bringing Cunningham back onto the court and echoed that statement on Tuesday during his media availability.

We are not going to rush Cade back. When he comes back, it doesn’t mean he is ready to go and you’re just going to throw him out there and see what happens. He is too valuable for us. Whatever it is, we’ll sit down and meet with his team, the medical team, myself and (Pistons general manager) Troy (Weaver) and map out a plan.

Casey has stressed that the team would ease him back into action once he can be cleared by the medical staff. He believed Cunningham would need at least 2-3 practices before seeing game action, and that number could increase the longer he sits.

The injury has cost Cunningham valuable time on the court during practice and preseason games. He has been with the team and is taking notes but Casey stressed the importance of going through the plays and sets during a game setting.

The young man has missed a valuable time as far as the speed of the game, the physicality of the game, the sets, the calls. You can sit on the sideline and take notes but until you get out there and actually go through it, it’s tough. We’ll have to map out a plan to build him back into the group and not just throw him out there.

The Pistons have relied on their depth in the backcourt without Cunningham and have taken a next-man-up approach so far. Pistons forward Saddiq Bey said the loss of Cunningham isn’t a setback, since each player on the roster is capable of stepping up.

Cunningham has been highly touted for his basketball IQ, so he likely will be able to pick things up rather quickly. Certainly, the Pistons and Cunningham can’t wait until he can take the court.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!