Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey on Tuesday said rookie Cade Cunningham is still dealing with an ankle injury and may not play in the preseason opener on Wednesday versus the San Antonio Spurs.
Cunningham turned his ankle last week and has not been able to practice with the team. The team is going to be cautious with the injury but he still has some fluid on his ankle and likely will not be cleared to play on Wednesday.
“It’s disappointing because of the fact that this time is really to integrate him and get him going,” Casey said. “He has missed a lot of time so no matter how many miles you ride on that bike or are on the sideline or swimming in the pool, it doesn’t duplicate being on the court or getting the reps. I feel for the young man. He wants to be out there but his body isn’t letting him. Hopefully, his basketball IQ will let him come back quicker.”
Casey added that Cunningham will likely need at least two practices at full strength before gaining clearance to play in a game. The injury does not appear to be serious, meaning he could be ready to play in the Pistons’ next game on Monday against the Memphis Grizzlies.
[mm-video type=video id=01fg2ezrg24cj8andxrd playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01fg2ezrg24cj8andxrd/01fg2ezrg24cj8andxrd-6fe464d95373bbcd955730fe4f4dc575.jpg]
Casey previously said minor nicks and bruises are part of training camp. He did not sound too concerned when discussing the setback but wanted to ensure Cunningham was fully healthy before clearing him to return to practice.
The Pistons have been preaching patience with Cunningham throughout training camp. They know he will have some ups and downs this year but will be focusing more on developing him the right way on and off the court.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=39710,39654,38327]
[listicle id=39842]