Jaden Ivey‘s family has a long connection to Detroit, and the Pistons are showing their appreciation to their newly drafted point guard, writes Rod Beard of The Detroit News. The organization presented Ivey with replicas of jerseys worn by his mother, father and grandfather — made more than three weeks ago “just in case” the Pistons were able to select him — and much like draft night, Ivey was overcome by tears.
“You could see my emotions a little bit,” he said. “Just my family, what they’ve been through their whole lives and what they’ve worked for, they helped me get to this stage, just to see all the jerseys it just made me emotional.”
Ivey will be part of the foundation of the team’s rebuilding project, forming a dynamic backcourt with Cade Cunningham, last year’s overall No. 1 pick. The city is already embracing Ivey as he continues the family’s sports legacy in Detroit.
“I’m gonna say this,” coach Dwane Casey said, “the history and story of Jaden is unbelievable. It’s like a fairy tale. Even from me, and I’ve been in (the league) a long time. To understand his grandfather played here, his dad went to high school here, his mom played in the WNBA here, successful college coach right now, it’s beyond belief. And like (general manager) Troy (Weaver) said, the good Lord wanted him here.”
There’s more from the Central Division:
- The Cavaliers were seeking immediate help in the draft, which is why they took Ochai Agbaji instead of a prospect such as Malaki Branham, according to Jason Lloyd of The Athletic. Cleveland expects to make the playoffs next season, and with other targets such as Ousmane Dieng already off the board, Agbaji was an easy choice at No. 14.
- There were opportunities for the Cavaliers to trade into the later part of the first round, but they didn’t want to take on another guaranteed contract, a member of the organization told Lloyd. Cleveland is hoping to bring back Ricky Rubio, who would give the team 14 guaranteed deals. Rubio is still rehabbing after ACL surgery and probably won’t be able to play until January, Lloyd adds.
- The Bulls had opportunities to trade up and trade down Thursday night, but they were thrilled to get Arizona guard Dalen Terry with the 18th pick, per Julia Poe of The Chicago Tribune. “He’s going to bring versatility on both ends of the floor,” general manager Marc Eversley said. “Last year early on, we had a lot of success when we created turnovers defensively and got out and ran. I think he’s somebody who’s going to be able to do that for us.”
I get that the Cavs didn’t want to take on another guaranteed contract, but then why did they trade for an additional second rounder before the draft?
Two of their second rounders will be stashed and Mobley might get a two-way, but they traded the rights to a player that’s already stashed for an additional pick.
Also have Sexton to resign.
Bulls draft was terrible. That dude will be the next marquis teague lol
Marquis Teague or Chandler Hutchinson?
He reminds me of Andre Iguodala…I like him as a player, but not sure about the fit with the Bulls. I guess they might not bring back derrick jones jr though, so for that reason it does make sense. I just thought EJ Liddell was guaranteed for them there
liddell dropped to the 2nd round for some reason. other teams obviously weren’t sold on him either.
Bowww Wowww: The Knicks draft was terrible, The Kings Management is terrible, Any idea you’ve ever had was terrible. Bulls draft was just fine. They got a future wing at 18 and one of the best players not drafted in Lewis. I was curious to see which way the Bulls went at 18 because it would tell me what the plan is for Simonovic. Obviously they have plans for him. So now get a backup 5 and maybe a decent 4( nothing fancy, just depth) And it’s already a much deeper team without breaking the bank. LaVine is obviously coming back now. I hope that works out.
Better Diop at 49 than Dieng at 14. Ousmane seems like a lesser MPorter… pleased we got Ogbaji instead… Would rather have several others including Branham or Dalen Terry. And Eason, Roddy, Braun if I must list. 6th preference is not bad, the way these things go.
Khalifa Diop 6-11, 7-2, 231, espn 4th center, not ready yet.
I actually thought they might take Branham as well. I like Agbaji, and he theoretically gives them 3 and D on the wing/4 spot, but he is a little inconsistent with his shooting right now. He’s like Jae Crowder. Definitely a good option, but I feel like they need shooting at the 2/3, even though they got Levert for that, and there might be some spacing issues. Obviously, Agbaji is much better defensively, but i do already like their defensive core, with Okoro, Mobley, Allen, and Stevens… and especially if they also bring in Rubio, they need more shooting around them. I still think it’s a pretty good pick though, and even better if he becomes more consistent
Agbaji can start at SG. Great pick for Cavs. I would deal Sexton and LeVert. Can get a lot for them. I wanted Agbaji.
another guard feels like coby white is the odd man out.
Coby is dangling on a hook, line cast for a stretch 4 / 3&D or backup pg