Cade Cunningham has yet to take the floor with the Detroit Pistons for most of training camp, but the No. 1 overall pick is staying upbeat and positive in practice and film sessions.
Cunningham turned his ankle in practice two weeks ago and has been unable to fully participate in training camp. He has not played during the preseason, and will likely not be cleared to play for the Pistons’ final exhibition game on Friday.
The Pistons have taken the injury with extreme caution and will not look to rush him back into action too quickly. Pistons head coach Dwane Casey on Thursday said Cunningham has continued to work in an effort to get back onto the court.
He is working, getting his work in. His attitude has been great in film sessions, teaching and talking to him on the sidelines as the practice goes on in film sessions or whatever. He has been a student of the game but I’ll say this, there is nothing like being out there and going through it to get ready for an NBA season, especially for a rookie.
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 has stressed the importance of going through the plays and sets during a game setting.
Cunningham has been highly touted for his basketball IQ, so he likely will be able to pick things up rather quickly once he can be cleared to return. He will likely need to get several practices under his belt before then but Casey is confident he won’t need much time.
It’s a little bit easier for a veteran to bounce back from injury, get the timing and feel for the NBA game but for a rookie, it’s difficult. It’s going to be a welcoming (moment) when he does come back but he is talented, smart and a student of the game so it shouldn’t take him as long as it would a normal rookie.
Cunningham experiencing an injury during his first training camp has likely been very frustrating but the 20-year-old has handled the situation very well. Certainly, the Pistons and Cunningham can’t wait until he can take the court again.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
