Jaden Ivey’s return brings cautious optimism for the Detroit Pistons after long injury layoff | NBA News
Jaden Ivey’s journey back to full health has been gradual and challenging. For the Detroit Pistons, the return of shooting guard Jaden Ivey has presented an interesting scenario. After sustaining a fibula injury in January, the former first-round draft pick made his season debut in November. During a loose-ball scuffle, former Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony lunged into Ivey’s leg, ending his 2024–25 season at 30 games.The 23-year-old broke his left fibula at the end of the 2024–25 NBA season, which ended his season and caused knee pain over a year later. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in October of last year, he was able to return to the court in late November.
Jaden Ivey flashes pre-injury form while easing back into Detroit’s rotation
Ivey was arguably playing the best basketball of his career before the accident. In his third season, he averaged a career-high 17.6 points per game and a remarkable 40.9% 3-point shooting percentage. His style seemed to match in well with All-Star Cade Cunningham, and his development was helping Detroit win basketball.Prior to the Pistons’ victory over the Sacramento Kings, Bickerstaff directly addressed the strategy for Ivey. “A plan in place for him to ramp up where he’s comfortable, where he’s confident, so that he can get back to playing the bulk minutes,” he stated. Bickerstaff did not specify the plan’s parameters or provide a deadline.Ivey is now coming off the bench for the Pistons after being activated for 17 games. He was only allowed to play for 15 minutes until he recovered enough to play on the court. Although his conditioning and game have improved, the return is still a work in progress.Thankfully, it appears that he is back on the court at last, albeit not entirely in the same manner that made him such a valuable contributor. In 17 games, he has averaged 8.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per night while shooting 45.5% from the field and 39.6% from beyond the arc.Although his output isn’t as high as it was during his three stints as a starter, he is still contributing to the Pistons’ victories. The Pistons have only dropped six games since his return.
Pistons prioritize patience as Jaden Ivey’s explosive spark returns off the bench
It doesn’t make much sense, at least not in the near future, even though Ivey would like to start again this season. The coaching staff does not want him to become exhausted and worsen his injury.Since returning to the squad this season, Ivey has averaged eight points per game. It’s obvious that he’s still trying to go back to his best and give the Pistons his all. It appears that head coach J.B. Bickerstaff is attempting to raise Ivey’s workload following a cautious, slow start.Many other clubs in the league wish they could have the spark he brings off the bench. Before he returned to the court, Detroit was lacking in both speed and high-efficiency shooting. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said:“He looks good. You almost forget how fast and explosive he is.. His ability to explode from a stop to a start and get to full speed on his first step is remarkable.”Ivey’s influence will be inconsistent due to his limited playing time, especially on nights when he plays for less than 20 minutes.Also read: Is Malik Beasley joining New York Knicks? Team to reportedly pursue Detroit Pistons shooting guard
