As we entered the 2023-2024 season, I had high hopes for the Detroit Pistons. The team had eliminated its injury-prone, overpaid players and brought in a promising group of young players. However, this season has been a complete disaster for some of the key players I had counted on. One of those players is Jaden Ivey, whose performance is significantly impacted when Cade Cunningham plays.
Ivey’s inconsistent play this season could be due to confusion over his role on the team. Everyone was excited about the prospect of a Cade/Ivey backcourt, but Ivey’s defensive liabilities have been problematic. It wasn’t until Killian Hayes’ struggles became apparent that Ivey’s place in the starting lineup became clear. As we look ahead to the offseason, we must consider the possibility of trading Ivey. Can he and Cunningham make it work as a dynamic guard duo? Let’s discuss Ivey’s importance to the Pistons.
Motor City Roots.
Ivey’s selection as the Pistons’ 5th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft was an emotional moment. He comes from a family with deep roots in the Detroit area. His mother, Niele Ivey, had played for the Detroit Shock in 2005. His father, Javin Hunter, was a former NFL player born in Detroit. Furthermore, his grandfather played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions and was a native of Detroit, too. Playing in the city where his family heritage is so rich is an inexplicable feeling. Ivey was joining a team that would make the best use of his strengths made the moment even more special.
Optimistic Rookie Season.
Ivey had a promising debut season with the Pistons. He played in 74 games, scored an average of 16.3 points per game, and provided 5.2 assists. Ivey’s speed and agility were impressive, and he showed the ability to drive to the basket with ease. Though he had a high turnover rate of 3.2, his potential as a playmaker was apparent.
His partnership with Cade Cunningham made Ivey’s first season even more exciting for Pistons fans. In the 11 games they played together, Ivey averaged 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
When Cunningham was injured and out for the rest of the season, Ivey continued to perform at a high level. In the 63 games without Cunningham, Ivey averaged 16.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. He was recognized for his impressive performance by being named to the NBA all-rookie 2nd team.
Now, with a healthy Cunningham back and Ivey showcasing his abilities as a starting guard, the 23-24 season was expected to showcase one of the best young backcourts in the league.
Earning His Spot… Eventually
In his second season, Ivey could not secure the starting guard position opposite Cunningham despite his strong rookie season. Coach Williams valued defense more than offense, not Ivey’s forte. Ivey had to have been frustrated by coming off the bench in favor of the inconsistent Killian Hayes.
Ivey remained determined to prove himself and make Coach Williams see his potential. Starting 40 games this season, Ivey has shown impressive numbers, averaging 16.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.9 rebounds. Although he has not played as well off the bench, he remains an essential part of the team. However, concerns have been raised about Ivey’s lack of cohesion with Cade, which has led to doubts about his future in Detroit.
Finding His Role With Cade.
The statistics show that Ivey’s performance varies greatly when he plays with and without Cunningham. In the ten games Ivey played without Cunningham, he averaged 21.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists. This shows that Ivey is most effective when he dominates the basketball. However, in the 46 games he played with Cunningham, his numbers dropped to 13.6 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists.
This drop-off could be because, in the games they’ve played together, Ivey’s shooting has been up and down. He is shooting 44% from the field and 33% from three, below the league average of 36%. In comparison, when Ivey plays alone, he still shoots 44% from the field, but his three-point percentage improves to the league average.
To make this pairing work long-term, it is suggested that Ivey should become a more willing three-point shooter. Currently, he only takes about four threes per game, but it is recommended that he increases this number to about six. Ultimately, both players have the same style of play, and neither seems willing to adjust to make their pairing more effective.
Can They Be The Backcourt Of The Future?
Yes, both players are still young and have room for improvement. Monty Williams (or whoever is coaching this team next season) will be responsible for implementing the best off-season training program for both players to complement each other. It may take some time, but I believe they both have the desire and determination to restore the Pistons’ reputation, which requires making some sacrifices.
More must-reads: