Jaden Ivey, the gifted second-year guard for the Detroit Pistons, has undergone knee surgery. This surgery would potentially remove him from competition for up to ten months. Trey Ivey was having a breakout year when he broke the left fibula last season. It’s a big blow for the young man, given that this injury is called a career-ender. The injury occurred after he crashed into Magic guard Cole Anthony on New Year’s Day. In the aftermath, he ended up missing the final 49 games of that season.
Ivey’s return to the court was obviously welcome, but concern quickly set in after he played in just one preseason game before leaving. Because of the complex nature of his injuries, the Pistons are now focused on a cautious management of his recovery.
“We will ensure we do what’s right by our guys, and never put them in a position where we feel like we have to rush them back,” said Pistons head coach Bickerstaff, emphasizing the team’s commitment to Ivey’s long-term health.
Last year, Ivey lived up to his incredible potential by averaging 17.6 ppg. He endeared himself to Rockets fans by shooting a truly ridiculous 41% from three-point range. Those stats for the player are career highs. Indeed, he went on to be selected with the fifth pick of the 2022 NBA draft. His play was beyond key for the Pistons. Now comes the whole new challenge of handling his recovery.
When training camp opened, problems started to come up for Ivey. Bickerstaff observed, “It was one of those things that was emerging as he was working. As you know, from returning but in training camp, he began to feel something.” This declaration brings attention to the need for more vigilance over the course of a player’s return-to-play protocol.
While Ivey rightfully devotes energy to rehabilitation, he has his own important deadline looming on October 20. If the Pistons want to keep him, they’ll be able to extend a rookie-scale contract to him. This extension requires a joint decision from the organization and the player. This development makes his recovery timeline, and overall future with the franchise, much murkier.
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