Pistons’ Cunningham healthy again, named to U.S. Select Team ahead of World Cup
Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham is back. Cunningham underwent surgery on his left shin seven months ago, but is among a group of rising NBA players who will join the USA Select Team to train and practice with Team USA’s FIBA World Cup team in Las Vegas in August, according to reports from ESPN and The Athletic. The Select Team consists of players 22 and younger, and a player from that team could be called up if someone from the senior team gets injured.
Cunningham averaged 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds and six assists in 12 games last season before persistent shin soreness cut his campaign short. Testing revealed a left tibia stress fracture, and he underwent surgery Dec. 16 to repair it. He joined the Pistons in Las Vegas for Summer League and has been spotted on social media participating in open-court runs with other NBA players.
Cunningham is the most important person in the Pistons’ quest to climb the NBA ladder to contention.
Oklahoma City center Chet Holmgren and wing Jalen Williams, Houston Rockets wing Jalen Green and Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray will also play with the Select Team, according to reports.
Team USA’s roster is young and consists of Michigan State alumnus Jaren Jackson Jr., Paolo Banchero, Anthony Edwards, Tyrese Haliburton, Mikal Bridges, Jalen Brunson, Brandon Ingram, Cameron Johnson, Bobby Portis, Josh Hart, Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves.
Team USA’s training camp begins Aug. 3, and the World Cup will be held from Aug. 25-Sept. 10 in the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia.