Cade Cunningham injury: What is the Detroit Pistons star suffering from that could see him get surgery and miss significant time

The Detroit Pistons will be without their rising star moving forward. Guard Cade Cunningham is expected to be sidelined for an extended period of time.

Cunningham has been dealing with left shin soreness and has missed the team's last six games. The injury appears to have become more serious than initially expected. According to reports, the Pistons suspect that a "hairline stress fracture in his shin" is the reason for Cunningham's soreness.

Because of the developing situation, the Pistons organization is weighing all options. That includes shutting down Cunningham for a "significant amount" of the season. Cunningham was off to a strong start, averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game.

On "FanDuel TV," NBA insider Shams Charania said that the Pistons are considering all options. Charania confirmed that Detroit is weighing the idea of rest or surgery, both of which would keep him out for a lengthy absence.

"They’re really looking at him resting for an indefinite period of time or undergoing surgery that would sideline him for a significant amount of this season…” Charania said, according to a FanDuel TV tweet.

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Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham expected to be sidelined for an indefinite period of time

Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham

A couple of years ago, the Detroit Pistons were a team that was facing a massive rebuild of their roster. After selecting Cade Cunningham first overall in 2021, the Pistons looked to be trending in the right direction.

Fast forward to today and Detroit has done a sensational job of adding talent. Cunningham was named to the 2021-22 All-Rookie team and looked to be on the verge of exploding in his second season. The Pistons added rookie guard Jaden Ivey during the 2022 draft, giving the Pistons a dangerous young duo for the future.

Cade Cunningham has shown his superstar upside throughout this season, but his latest injury will put his season on hold. The Pistons (3-15) are in no position to need to rush him back from injury. Cunningham just recently turned 21 years old, meaning that he's still got plenty of basketball ahead of himself.

The Pistons have lost seven consecutive games and are prioritizing the development of their youth. With one of the most talented incoming NBA draft classes in recent memory, Detroit is expected to find itself in the mix for a top selection. With the recent injury to their star player, the Pistons would be wise to think of the long-term instead of the 2022-23 season.