In the world of NBA rumors, it's easy for fans to get swept up in the whirlwind of speculation. Recently, a rumor about Cade Cunningham, the standout guard for the Detroit Pistons, made waves online.
The buzz claimed Cunningham was facing a one-game suspension for allegedly having a vaping device in his locker. This rumor, which began on a parody page on X, gained significant traction following the Pistons' 114-103 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite the viral nature of the post, which attracted over 310,000 impressions, it turns out the rumor was simply a case of engagement bait. The Pistons and the NBA have not substantiated these claims, and fans can expect Cunningham to be in action against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday.
Cunningham's performance against the Spurs was notable, despite the loss. He contributed 16 points, six rebounds, and 10 assists. While his shooting was off, hitting just 5 of 26 from the field and 2 of 9 from beyond the arc, his playmaking and leadership were evident.
Meanwhile, Isaiah Stewart continues to serve a seven-game suspension following an altercation with Miles Bridges during a game against the Charlotte Hornets earlier this month.
Reflecting on the Pistons' surprising season, where they sit atop the Eastern Conference with a 42-14 record, Cunningham acknowledged the impact of Spurs' rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama in their recent defeat. In a post-game interview, Cunningham praised Wembanyama's defensive prowess, noting how he altered shots and disrupted the Pistons' offensive flow.
Both Cunningham and Wembanyama are making strong cases in the MVP race this season. Wembanyama is impressively averaging 24.2 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game while shooting 50.8%. Cunningham is right there with him, posting averages of 25.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists on 45.5% shooting.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and storylines from these emerging stars.