Jaden Ivey will miss four weeks after knee surgery
The expected return of Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey has suffered a setback. The team announced this Thursday that Ivey will be out for the next four weeks due to surgery on his right knee. Ivey, who missed the last 49 games of last season due to a left fibula injury, was only able to play one preseason game before discomfort issues arose.Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff explained that the injury was not the result of a specific play. The team took precautions and the medical staff performed evaluations that led to the decision for surgery. Ivey, selected in the fifth position of the 2022 draft, was having a promising season last year before suffering a collision with Magic guard Cole Anthony on New Year’s Day. He was averaging 17.6 points and 41% effectiveness in three-point shots, both career highs. The Pistons acquired veteran guard Dennis Schroder to fill the backup point guard position after Ivey’s injury last season. Bickerstaff is confident that guards Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins can fill the gaps during this absence. In addition, third-year forward Ausar Thompson has taken on more responsibility in training camp to be the primary facilitator when All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham goes to the bench. As for Ivey, it could be 10 months before he returns to action in the regular season. In addition, he is in the extension phase of his rookie scale contract, in case the team and he agree on a contract before the October 20 deadline. The Pistons will be cautious with his recovery, given the consecutive injuries of one of the fastest players in the league.It was something that developed during his work. Obviously, upon returning, but also in training camp, he began to feel something.
J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons coach
Our priority is to do what’s right for our players and never put them in a position where we feel we have to rush them back. We know mentally how that can impact them, physically and in the long term as well.
J.B. Bickerstaff, Pistons coach
