Cade Cunningham is having the best season of his young NBA career. However, it was briefly halted due to a collapsed lung, which has kept him out of the Detroit Pistons' lineup for the past 11 straight games. On Wednesday, the Pistons announced an important update on the star guard ahead of their contest against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Cunningham is one of the favorites to win the MVP award. He has led the team to the best record in the Eastern Conference, as they will start their playoff run at the No. 1 spot. Through 61 games, the two-time All-Star has averaged 24.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 9.9 assists.
Cade Cunningham Will Return on Wednesday
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Cunningham was listed as questionable ahead of the contest. Before tip-off, however, the Pistons announced that the NBA star will return.
His absence has created a void in the Pistons, as he's their offensive leader. He's leading the team in points and assists, and the entire system revolves around him. Even on the defense end, Detroit relies on Cunningham to provide depth.
Cunningham's MVP status has also been put at risk due to his lengthy absence. He needs to meet the 65-game requirement to be eligible to win NBA awards. The Pistons have two games left after their game against the Bucks tonight. Even if the star guard plays in all three games, that puts him one game short of the required number of games.
It has impacted not only his MVP case but also his claim to be an All-NBA player. This season, he's one of the players who many believe deserve to be named in any of the All-NBA teams.
ESPN's Vincent Goodwill reported on Wednesday that there's still a chance for Cunningham to be considered for the NBA awards, which is by applying for the “extraordinary circumstances challenge.” Goodwill reported that an arbitrator could affect his case to be named as an All-NBA star.
During Cunningham's absence, the Pistons have been in good hands with Jalen Duren. Duren led the team to win eight games without their best player, securing their spot as the best team in the conference.
In the 11 games that Cunningham was out, Duren appeared in 10 games, averaging 22.0 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The first-time All-Star has appeared in 68 games and could be named an All-NBA player by the end of the season.
For now, Pistons fans are glad to see Cunningham back in the lineup.
