Jaden Ivey Undergoes Knee Surgery, Out for Four Weeks

UPDATE: Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey is sidelined for the next four weeks after undergoing urgent surgery on his right knee, the team confirmed today. This setback follows a troubling history of injuries that caused him to miss 49 games last season.

Ivey’s return to the court was already highly anticipated after a season plagued by difficulties. He had recently played just one preseason game before experiencing discomfort, prompting medical evaluations and ultimately the decision for surgery. Coach J.B. Bickerstaff stated, “It was something that was developing over his work…we took precautions, and then the medical team did their assessments.”

With Ivey out, the Pistons are adapting their strategy. They have acquired veteran guard Dennis Schroder to step in as backup point guard. Bickerstaff is optimistic about the capabilities of Marcus Sasser and two-way guard Daniss Jenkins to fill the void during Ivey’s absence. Additionally, third-year forward Ausar Thompson is stepping up to take on a larger role, especially when All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham is off the court.

Ivey, who was the fifth pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, was having a breakout season before colliding with Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony on New Year’s Day. At that time, he was averaging 17.6 points per game and boasting a shooting percentage of 41% from beyond the arc—both career highs.

The Pistons are approaching Ivey’s recovery with caution, especially considering the back-to-back injuries to one of the league’s fastest players. Coach Bickerstaff emphasized, “Our priority is to do what’s right by our guys, and never put them in a position where we feel like we have to rush them back.”

As for Ivey’s future, he is eligible for a rookie-scale extension, with the deadline set for October 20, 2023. However, with the potential timeline for recovery extending up to 10 months, the team must carefully evaluate their options moving forward.

Fans and analysts alike are watching closely as the Pistons navigate this unexpected challenge, highlighting the importance of Ivey’s health for the team’s success this season. Stay tuned for further updates on Ivey’s condition and potential return to the court.