DETROIT, December 14, 2022 – Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham will undergo season-ending surgery on his left shin.

Sidelined since November 9, the No. 1 overall 2021 NBA draft pick has waited a month — and missed 17 games — trying to avoid surgery to see if rehab and rest would improve his condition. All other options exhausted, he made the decision to move forward with the procedure.

After consulting with doctors, representatives, and the Pistons, Cunningham is expected to fully recover from the procedure before next season’s training camp.

Cunningham’s second season ends after just 12 games, averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists. He placed third in Rookie of the Year voting, just behind Scottie Barnes and Evan Mobley, and last season he was selected as first-team All-Rookie.

The Pistons currently sit in last place in the Eastern Conference with a 7-22 record.