East Notes: Pistons, Cade Cunningham, Nets, Pacers

Pistons

Guard Cade Cunningham is staying engaged despite being ruled out for the season after undergoing shin surgery in December, per James Edwards III of The Athletic.

“I communicate with him, the coaches communicate with him about what’s going on, what he sees and what he thinks,” coach Dwane Casey said, via Edwards. “It’s important to keep his mind sharp with what’s going on with the floor. He’s mentioned what he sees now by taking a step back away from the fray to watch what’s going on. That is so important for injured guys.”

Cunningham appeared in just 12 games this season before the injury.

“He’s using his voice more than ever, during games and talking before and after,” guard Cory Joseph said, via Edwards. “Not only is he encouraging guys, but he’s also letting us know his thoughts, what he sees out there. It’s always different — and, of course, unfortunate — when you’re forced to take a step back and not play the game you love, but it is a different point of view. He’s keeping his mind engaged.”

Nets

The contract extension for Nets coach Jacque Vaughn is through the 2026-27 season, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. 

“Jacque has made an immediate and immeasurable impact on our entire organization since assuming the role of head coach earlier this season,” Nets general manager Sean Marks said in a statement released by the team. “On the court, he’s clearly demonstrated his leadership through his ability to connect and communicate at a very high level while displaying tremendous instincts for the game. As a person, they don’t come any better than Jacque.”

The Nets had a team option for 2023-24 on Vaughn’s contract prior to the extension, per Wojnarowski.

Pacers

• What will the Pacers do with their multiple first-round picks in 2023? Scott Horner of the Indianapolis Star made some early predictions.
• Celtics forward Grant Williams should be amiong three primary players the Pacers pursue in free agency this summer, wrote Joe Lyon of Fansided.