Pistons' Cunningham could miss two months due to shin injury

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) looks on in the third quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Little Caesars Arena. Allison Farrand-USA TODAY Sports

Pistons' Cade Cunningham reportedly could miss two months due to stress fracture in shin

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 11/19/22

The Detroit Pistons could be without fast-rising star Cade Cunningham for as much as two months if his current shin injury ends up requiring surgery.

The 2021 first-overall pick in the NBA draft has missed the last week of action for Detroit due to apparent soreness in his shin. Early expectations were that some rest would address the problem and he can get back on the court sooner than later. However, it seems that Cunningham’s injury could be far more serious than originally thought.

On Saturday, The Athletic’s NBA insider Shams Charnia revealed that Cunningham has a stress fracture in his left shin.

“The lingering issue dates back to last season but began to flare up again during the last offseason, according to league sources,” the outlet reported.

Cunningham and the team are reportedly examining all possible options to see if the 21-year-old can avoid corrective surgery on the bone in his leg.

Cade Cunningham would miss at least six weeks following surgery

Cunningham is currently listed as out indefinitely since there is no timetable for a possible return. Surgery would be the final option after all others have been exhausted. However, if going under the knife is the best possible answer for the injury, Cunningham would be sidelined for six to eight weeks following surgery.

For the uninitiated, a stress fracture is described on ClevelandClinic.org as a “very small crack in the bone. This can happen from repetitive trauma and is commonly seen in athletes – particularly long-distance runners.”

Cunningham has had a good start to the season for the Detroit Pistons. While the team is off to an awful 3-14 start, the Oklahoma State standout has improved on his points, rebounds and assists per game from last season, while averaging 33.3 minutes in 2022.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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