The road to recovery for Detroit Pistons shooting guard Jaden Ivey has been a long and demanding one. After a devastating injury cut his previous season short, his return to the court this season presents a complex but hopeful scenario for the franchise.
The Injury and the Long Road Back
Ivey's ordeal began in January of the 2024-25 NBA season. During a scramble for a loose ball, former Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony collided with Ivey's leg. The impact resulted in a broken left fibula for the young guard, abruptly ending his season after just 30 games. The injury also led to persistent knee pain that lingered for over a year.
To address the knee issue, Ivey underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in October of last year. This procedure was a crucial step in his rehabilitation, paving the way for his eventual season debut in late November, nearly ten months after the initial fracture.
Easing Back into the Rotation
Before the injury, Ivey was showcasing the best form of his career. In his third season, he was averaging a career-best 17.6 points per game and shooting an impressive 40.9% from the three-point line. His dynamic playstyle was a perfect complement to All-Star Cade Cunningham, and his development was a key factor in Detroit's performances.
Now, the Pistons are taking a deliberately patient approach. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has implemented a specific plan to ramp up Ivey's involvement. "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," Bickerstaff stated before a Pistons victory over the Sacramento Kings. The coach did not reveal specific timelines, emphasizing a cautious return.
Since being activated, Ivey has come off the bench in 17 games, initially on a strict minutes restriction of around 15 minutes per game as he rebuilt his conditioning and court rhythm.
Impact Off the Bench and Future Outlook
The results of this careful management are promising. While not yet starting, Ivey is flashing glimpses of his pre-injury explosiveness. In his 17 games back, he is averaging 8.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per night, while shooting efficiently at 45.5% from the field and 39.6% from deep.
Most importantly, his return has coincided with team success. The Pistons have lost only six games since he rejoined the lineup. Coach Bickerstaff has praised his progress, noting, "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."
For the foreseeable future, the plan is to keep Ivey in his bench role. The coaching staff is wary of overloading him too soon and risking a setback. This strategy allows him to provide a high-energy spark that many teams covet, addressing Detroit's previous needs for speed and efficient shooting. While his statistical output may vary on nights with limited minutes, his presence is clearly a positive force for the Pistons as they continue to carefully navigate his full return to health.
