DETROIT – The Detroit Pistons are facing a significant setback. Jaden Ivey, the team’s talented guard, will be out of action for the next four weeks due to surgery on his right knee, the team announced on Thursday. This news represents a new challenge for Ivey, who had already been absent for 49 games last season due to a left fibula injury. The player was only able to participate in one preseason game before discomfort arose.
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff explained that the injury was not the result of a specific play, but rather a problem that developed gradually. The team took precautions and the medical staff conducted evaluations that led to the decision for surgery. Ivey, selected in the fifth position of the 2022 draft, was showing great performance last season before suffering an injury. At that time, he was averaging 17.6 points and 41% effectiveness in three-point shots, both career-high figures. In the absence of Ivey, the Pistons will rely on Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins to cover the guard position. Ausar Thompson will also take on greater responsibility in facilitating the game when Cade Cunningham is on the bench. Ivey’s recovery will be a careful process, given the accumulation of injuries suffered by one of the league’s fastest players.It was something that developed during his work. Obviously, since he returned, but also in training camp, he began to feel something.
J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons coach
Our priority is to do the right thing for our players and never put them in a position where we feel we have to rush them to return. We know mentally how that can impact them, physically and in the long term as well.
J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons coach
