{"id":696073,"date":"2026-04-03T15:51:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/696073\/"},"modified":"2026-04-03T15:51:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-03T15:51:22","slug":"pistons-coach-gets-real-on-major-cade-cunningham-question","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/696073\/","title":{"rendered":"Pistons Coach Gets Real on Major Cade Cunningham Question"},"content":{"rendered":"

\t\t\t\t\"Cade\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGetty\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham is one of the most talked-about stars in the NBA. He might get a big opportunity soon.<\/p>\n

The Detroit Pistons issued an update on Cade Cunningham before their matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves<\/a> on April 2.<\/p>\n

As the star guard continues to recover from a collapsed lung, the Pistons ruled out Cunningham for an additional week.<\/p>\n

If there is any chance that Cunningham gets cleared by the one-week mark, he\u2019ll have two games left to play before the Pistons reach the playoffs.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

DETROIT, MICHIGAN \u2013 JANUARY 05: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons plays against the New York Knicks<\/a> at Little Caesars Arena on January 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Before Thursday\u2019s action, Pistons coach JB Bickerstaff revealed his thoughts on attempting to get Cunningham back in the mix before the postseason.<\/p>\n

JB Bickerstaff Drops A Statement On Cade Cunningham
\n\"Cade<\/p>\n

GettyWASHINGTON, DC \u2013 MARCH 17: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks on before playing against the Washington Wizards<\/a> during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 17, 2026 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

\u201cMy preference doesn\u2019t really matter at this point, to be honest,\u201d Bickerstaff told reporters on Thursday<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think, clearly, that would be helpful. But the only thing that matters is his health and where he\u2019s at. We\u2019ll take that into account more than anything.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back when Cunningham initially received his diagnosis, Bickerstaff made it clear that the Pistons aren\u2019t ruling Cunningham out for the entire season\u2013including playoffs. At the same time, he was noncommittal on a Cunningham playoff run as well.<\/p>\n

The Pistons anticipate having a better idea next week, when Cunningham undergoes his next evaluation.<\/p>\n

The last time the Pistons had Cunningham on the court was during their March 17 game against the Washington Wizards on the road. Cunningham checked out after just five minutes of action.<\/p>\n

At first, the Pistons believed he had a back injury. It turned out to be much more than that. Cunningham has now been out of the mix for nine straight games. He\u2019ll add at least three more to the mix.<\/p>\n

The Pistons Continue To Thrive
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS \u2013 FEBRUARY 21: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons looks at his elbow after hard fall against the Chicago Bulls<\/a> during the second half at the United Center on February 21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jayden Mack\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Even without Cunningham, the Pistons continue to find success.<\/p>\n

Following an impressive victory over the Timberwolves, the Pistons improved to 56-21 on the year. They remain in the Eastern Conference\u2019s top seed, with a 4.5-game lead over the Boston Celtics<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s evident that the Pistons are locking in the first seed. They managed to finish the job without their two-time All-Star guard. Soon, they\u2019ll see when they can get him back.<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tJustin Grasso<\/a> Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso<\/a>\t\t<\/p>\n

\n\t\t\tMore Heavy on Pistons\n\t\t<\/p>\n

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