Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham went down with a devastating lung injury during the team’s clash against the Washington Wizards on Tuesday.
Diagnosed later as a collapsed lung, Cunningham is expected to be sidelined for an extended period. At the time of writing, the Pistons have stated that their playmaker will be evaluated in two weeks.
Understanding Cade Cunningham’s Collapsed Lung Injury
According to WebMD, a collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, occurs when air accumulates between the lung and the chest wall. The injury occurs when air leaks from the lungs, with the air outside causing the organ to partially give way. The site adds that while inhalation is possible, the lung’s capacity to expand is not as great as it should be.
One of the causes listed is blunt trauma, which could be the reason for Cunningham’s injury. In the first quarter, the Pistons guard took a hit after Wizards rookie Tre Johnson crashed into him when Cunningham attempted to dive for a loose ball.
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The treatment for a collapsed lung includes needle aspiration, where a needle or a tube is used to release the extra air from the chest. Other methods include an autologous blood patch or surgery.
Fortunately, league insider Shams Charania reported that Cunningham’s collapsed lung was mild and that there is optimism he could return in time for the start of the playoffs.
On the season front, Cunningham is averaging 24.5 points and 9.9 assists per game, the second-highest mark in the league. His numbers have been a key part of the franchise’s success, as it is currently on pace for its best season in nearly two decades.
Had the guard played four more games, he would have been eligible for season awards and honors. With 61 games played, Cunningham unfortunately misses out on the possibility of NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and All-NBA nods, which require a 65-game minimum.
The Pistons boast a 49-19 record after their win over the Wizards on Tuesday. While they are expected to make the postseason as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, they will hope for their star floor general to return as they gear up for a deep playoff run.
MORE: Prayers Pour In for Pistons Superstar Cade Cunningham After Suffering Collapsed Lung
Pistons forward Tobias Harris outlined the team’s approach in Cunningham’s absence. “Obviously, we want him to be in the best of health,” he said, per The Athletic. “Until he gets back, we’ve got to hold the fort down, and guys have just got to step up with the next-man mentality, and every player is going to be expected to do more.”
Cunningham has been a catalyst in the team’s attacking style of play, and his absence not only hurts the team’s shotmaking but also leads to a dip in creativity on offense. Now, it remains to be seen if the side can maintain its rhythm while the guard recovers.
