Top pick Cade Cunningham is dealing with an ankle sprain and has missed some practice time, Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press tweets. The medical staff is being very cautious with the Pistons’ prized rookie so that the injury doesn’t linger.
Cunningham has been doing some light shooting drills, Rod Beard of The Detroit News tweets. It appears unlikely that the rookie guard will play in the team’s preseason opener on Wednesday.
We have more on the Pistons:
- Head coach Dwane Casey will serve youth, mainly in the starting lineup, and rely on veterans on the second unit, according to Keith Langlois of Pistons.com. “I think we’re going to have probably two different units – one a younger unit that’s going to bring energy and the second unit will probably have more experience,” Casey said. Cunningham will likely be joined by second-year players Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes in the starting unit, as well as possibly Isaiah Stewart. Casey is still mulling whether to go with Stewart or free agent signee Kelly Olynyk as the starting center. Cory Joseph will likely be the second-unit floor leader with Hamidou Diallo, Josh Jackson, Frank Jackson and Trey Lyles fighting for playing time.
- Frank Jackson, like Cunningham, is dealing with an ankle injury, Sankofa adds in a separate tweet. He was re-signed as a restricted free agent on a two-year, $6.2MM deal that includes a team option next summer.
- Jamorko Pickett continues to earn the admiration of the coaching staff, James Edwards III of The Athletic tweets. “I’m really impressed with Jamorko Pickett, as far as his game, approach, maturity and communication,” Casey said. An undrafted forward out of Georgetown, Pickett recently had his non-guaranteed camp deal upgraded to a two-way contract.
I really like Detroit’s roster, I think if Cade is for real they will push for play in
I know it obvious he will start but no mention to Jerami Grant?
I don’t really like the Detroit Pistons but in fairness they have done well with their draft picks and moves more recently. Grant was a steal at 20 mil, the 2020 draft where they grabbed 4 rookies was good, and obviously getting number 1 pick Cade was the right call. Okynyk was a nice signing in FA, think he could help open the floor up.
However the one decision I haven’t liked was taking Killian Hayes. As the 7th pick last year I thought they should’ve taken Obi Toppin or Cole Anthony. However now with Cade the 1, I can’t see him fitting that well with Hayes in the backcourt. Hayes is a tall, pass first point guard which didn’t shoot efficiently as a rookie, then got injured. Even now I’d try trade him for either Cam Reddish or Devin Vassell.
Hawks may want Hayes as a back up to Trae Young to would work well with the many shooters they have plus if he gets better could work next to Trae.
Vassell on the other hand, Spurs may want Hayes as a back up to White and Murray in the backcourt and he’s much younger than both.
For the Pistons, Reddish would be a high upside wing. Has struggled shooting the ball so far in the NBA but should get better. Was great in his 4 playoff games and his defence has been much improved.
Vassell we haven’t seen as much, but he looks to be another 3 and D wing prospect. Projects to only get better from the three line and was a very good off ball defender as a rookie.