Cade Cunningham’s devastating lung injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for the Detroit Pistons. The severity of the injury saw analysts, players, and fans share their prayers.
The Pistons’ superstar suffered the injury, later diagnosed as a left lung pneumothorax (collapsed lung), during the team’s matchup against the Washington Wizards. His return timeline is indefinite, as the team announced he will be re-evaluated in two weeks to determine when he is fit to take the floor again after the gruesome injury.
NBA Community Reacts to Cade Cunningham’s Scary Injury
Cunningham’s injury saw marquee names in the NBA circuit respond. YouTuber and sports analyst Kenny Beecham was one of the personalities with a wholesome message. “Wow. Get well soon, Cade,” he wrote.
Barstool Sports’ Dan Greenberg added, “Holy shit, that’s scary.” ESPN’s Alan Hahn also shared his sympathies.
“He was having back spasms, which didn’t seem serious. Now this?! Hope this isn’t serious, one of the game’s most compelling young talents,” the analyst wrote. The responses continued with The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III saying, “Man … that’s scary. Hope Cade ends up being OK.”
Steve Jones Jr. wished the Pistons star a speedy recovery. “Oh no prayers up,” he posted. Celtics reporter Noa Dalzell also reacted to the devastating injury. “Really devastating, hope he’s okay,” the tweet read.
The guard’s injury sequence unfolded early in the first quarter when he took on Wizards rookie Tre Johnson III for a full-court skirmish. While he went up to scoop up the loose ball, the latter crashed into his back as Cunningham went down immediately with what was initially called back spasms.
He was helped up to his feet but checked out for the remainder of the game after looking visibly uncomfortable. At the time of writing, the Pistons announced the All-Star playmaker will be evaluated in two weeks.
The Pistons will now be without the ace scorer as the playoffs inch closer. While the 130-117 win sees them improve to 49-19 in the Eastern Conference and consolidate their position as the top seed, they will hope to have Cunningham’s services in the postseason.
It goes without saying that the Pistons’ offense this season was led admirably by the young star. Cunningham averaged 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 9.9 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. His 9.9 assists per game are a career high and second in the NBA behind Nikola Jokic this season.
The Pistons without Cunningham might not necessarily make the same level of noise in the regular season, but for now, their focus and prayers will be on his recovery.
