Pistons rookie shooting guard Jaden Ivey seems to be on the precipice of an exciting pro career in Detroit, writes Keith Langlois of Pistons.com.
Langlois notes that Ivey’s diligent work ethic and multifaceted growth as a passer and defender should be encouraging developments for Pistons fans. As a rookie, he posted promising stats of 16.3 PPG, 5.2 APG and 3.9 RPG across 74 contests.
“The guy really works,” Pistons general manager Troy Weaver said. “He got better in all aspects. He’s got a big-time upside but what makes that so attractive is he works. That’s what sold us during the process. The kid’s a big-time worker and he’ll be in and improve. Whatever his weaknesses are, he’ll work through them. Whatever he’s supposed to be as a player, he’ll become because he’ll put the work in.”
There’s more out of the Central Division:
- Having missed out on the draft’s top prize, do-everything big man Victor Wembanyama, the Pistons now seem to be prioritizing a pick that will fit the rest of their roster, writes Mike Curtis of The Detroit News (subscription required). Curtis notes that several potential Detroit draft targets, including Villanova forward Cam Whitmore and Overtime Elite swingmen Ausar and Amen Thompson, should possess the athletic skill set that would allow them to complement incumbent perimeter players Bojan Bogdanovic and Isaiah Livers.
- The Fort Wayne Mad Ants, the G League affiliate of the Pacers, are departing their home arena, Fort Wayne’s Memorial Coliseum, after 16 years. The Mad Ants will be relocating to Indianapolis temporarily, before settling in a Noblesville arena, still under construction at present, for the 2024/25 season. Dylan Sinn and Devan Filchak of The Journal Gazette detail the impact of the departure on the community.
- The Bucks are reportedly moving to the next stage in their search for their next head coach this weekend. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports (Twitter link), Milwaukee is in the process of selecting candidates for the second stage of its interview process.
At #5 Amen is a great pick. But I would seriously consider Taylor Hendricks. He’s a natural 4 who can shoot. And at 19 yrs old has huge upside.
Ivey has all star ability but his shot selection isn’t great. If he can that up he will make some all star games
I never really understood how Johnny Davis won B10 player of the year. I had Ivey and particularly Murray above him. I did think Ivey was a bit inconsistent with his shot/selection at Purdue, but attributed some of that to being so young and asked to do so much. He’s still young, and both he and Davis have room, and time, to improve their games. Looking forward to seeing that.
I personally think Whitmore is the pick but most of the “experts” seem to be thinking Jarace Walker is the best fit.
I like him too. He’s a lot like Dramond. Shoots better and a bit bigger. I see him going top 10.
I think there is some redundancy between Walker and Stewart. Unless the thought process is they don’t want to extend Stewart but I don’t see it. Upgrade that wing before the 4. Maybe Gg Jackson slides out of the 1st and be the pick at 31. Would be a much better roster balance with that. Neither would start at the 3 or 4 anyway as Bogey and Burks offer much more presently and Stewart will likely be the starter at the 4. A