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Cade Cunningham Modified Training for Endurance

The Pistons star focused on core stabilization following a significant rib and lung injury sustained last season.

Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Basketball

Expressive editorial sports illustration of a basketball player performing core exercises in a high-altitude environment, rendered in team colors.
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham has adopted new core stabilization and high-altitude training techniques to improve his durability after last season's chest injury. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham has overhauled his offseason training regimen to improve physical endurance. The 25-year-old star implemented core stabilization exercises and high-altitude training after missing 11 games last season.

Why it matters

Cunningham aims to better manage his high workload after suffering a cracked rib and punctured lung on March 17, 2026. This focus on durability is critical for the Pistons as they build upon a successful 60-win campaign.

Cunningham played 64 games during the 2025-26 season, securing All-NBA First Team honors while helping lead the Pistons to 60 total wins.

The players

Cade Cunningham

He is the Detroit Pistons point guard who earned All-NBA First Team honors during the 2025-26 season.

Ausar Thompson

He is a Detroit Pistons player who signed a $155 million contract extension in September 2026.

Isaiah Stewart

He is a professional basketball player who was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies in June 2026.

Tobias Harris

He is an NBA veteran who joined the San Antonio Spurs on July 1, 2026.

The details

To address the lingering effects of his March injury, Cunningham utilized core-focused routines like the stir the pot exercise. He also spent time training in the Colorado mountains to push his cardiovascular limits ahead of the upcoming team camp.

Timeline

  1. March 17, 2026: Cunningham suffered a cracked rib and punctured lung.

  2. June 2026: Isaiah Stewart was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

  3. July 1, 2026: Tobias Harris joined the San Antonio Spurs.

  4. September 29, 2026: Detroit Pistons training camp opens.

Season Trajectory

Cunningham's individual success follows the Pistons' 60-win season, establishing him as the anchor of a roster currently undergoing significant changes. His health remains the primary factor in determining if the team can maintain this competitive standing.

Cunningham's improved physical conditioning is expected to minimize his time on the injury report, ensuring he remains available for his heavy usage role. His availability is vital for sustaining the team's 60-win pace following the departures of key frontcourt contributors.

The takeaway

Prioritizing core stability and high-altitude conditioning is an increasingly common strategy for NBA stars recovering from significant respiratory or rib injuries. Implementing these specific stabilization exercises can help athletes maintain durability throughout the grueling 82-game schedule.

What happens next

The Detroit Pistons are scheduled to open their official training camp on September 29, 2026.

Further reading

For more on the team's evolution, visit the Basketball section.

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Do you believe athletes should significantly change their training habits after reaching high performance levels?