Detroit's Nightmare Continues: Cade's Lung Blows Up The Season

Here's the thing about the Detroit Pistons: they can't catch a break. Not one. Just when you thought they might be turning a corner, or at least showing a pulse, the news drops: Cade Cunningham is out for an extended period with a collapsed lung. Shams Charania reported it, and Danny Green, who played with a similar injury, chimed in on the recovery. For a team that's 2-9 on the season and has lost seven straight, this feels like a gut punch that might just knock them out for good.

This isn't just about losing your best player; it's about losing the guy you built everything around. Cunningham, the former No. 1 overall pick from 2021, has been the engine for the Pistons. He’s averaging 22.0 points and 7.3 assists this season, showing real growth from his injury-plagued sophomore campaign. Remember last year, when a shin injury derailed him after just 12 games? It feels like Groundhog Day for Detroit fans, only this time it’s even worse. A collapsed lung isn't a sprained ankle; it's serious, and recovery isn't just about getting back on the court, it's about breathing normally again.

**The Long Road Back for Detroit**

Look, the Pistons were already struggling to score. They’re 25th in the league with 108.0 points per game. Take away Cunningham's 22, and you're looking at a G-League offense. Jaden Ivey, who started 73 games last year, will have to step up big time, but he's been inconsistent, shooting just 38.6% from the field this season. Killian Hayes is still, well, Killian Hayes. He’s averaging 6.8 points and 4.8 assists, but his shooting splits are abysmal. You can't expect him to suddenly become a primary playmaker.

Danny Green, who dealt with a similar injury, pointed out the mental and physical toll. He specifically mentioned the difficulty in breathing deeply for months, even after being cleared to play. Think about an NBA player, constantly running, jumping, battling for 30-plus minutes a night. Imagine doing that when every deep breath is a conscious effort, or when you’re worried about another collapse. It's a brutal reality check for Cunningham and the Pistons. This isn't just a physical injury; it messes with your head.

And let’s be real, the Pistons' rebuild was already looking shaky. They traded for James Wiseman last season, giving up Saddiq Bey, and Wiseman has been a non-factor. Marvin Bagley III, signed to a three-year, $37.5 million deal, is still showing flashes but can't stay healthy. The team hasn't won a playoff game since 2008 and hasn’t had a winning season since 2015-16. This injury to Cade only pushes that timeline further into the murky future.

**What Happens Now?**

General manager Troy Weaver has some tough decisions to make. Do you tank hard for another high draft pick? They already have a top-5 pick every year it seems. This team needs talent, sure, but it also needs health and stability. The 2023-24 season, which started with some faint hopes of improvement, is effectively over. They're already 13th in the Eastern Conference. They’re not making the play-in tournament. Not even close.

My hot take? This injury forces the Pistons to consider a drastic move. They need to find a legitimate secondary scorer who can create his own shot, something they've lacked for years. I think Troy Weaver will be aggressive at the trade deadline, even if it means overpaying a bit, because another lost season with Cunningham sidelined is just unacceptable. This team needs a jolt, and a draft pick isn't going to fix it immediately.

Bold prediction: The Pistons finish with fewer than 18 wins this season. They're going to limp to the finish line, and the silver lining will be another top-three draft pick.