The Pistons‘ offseason coaching change and Cade Cunningham‘s return from injury have resulted in a new role for second-year guard Jaden Ivey, writes Dustin Dopirak of The Indianapolis Star. Ivey was used as a starter as a rookie and was given the freedom to handle the ball and create plays. He’s started just three of the 12 games he’s played under new coach Monty Williams and he’s being asked to adjust to playing off the ball.
“Every day is a new opportunity,” Ivey said. “Just be the best version of yourself. Nothing that I want in life is going to be easy. I’m going to have to work for everything. That’s the mindset I want to carry every single day is that I’m going to work hard for all the things I want in life. Let God take of everything. Just continue to work, put my head down. Nothing is easy in this league.”
The Pistons targeted Ivey to be an important part of their future when they selected him with the fifth pick in the 2022 draft, and Williams stressed that the organization’s view of him hasn’t changed. Ivey’s athleticism combined with an ability to finish at the basket and an effective three-point shot make him difficult to defend. Williams is urging him to be patient and is impressed by how he’s adjusting to the new role.
“He’s a developing player with a lot of talent,” Williams said. “He’s got his head in there every day, learning and growing in a new system. It’s Year 2, second coach, that can be a lot on anybody. I’ve enjoyed his spirit. He hasn’t run from all the stuff (that) has been new and sometimes overwhelming.”
There’s more from Detroit:
- The Pistons will tie a franchise record with 14 straight losses if they can’t beat Washington tonight, per Mike Curtis of The Detroit News. Williams said he wasn’t aware that the team is danger of reaching the record, as he’s been more concerned with player development and trying to eliminate the mistakes that are causing the team to lose.
- Williams provided an update on assistant coach Dan Burke, who has been away from the team since October 30, Curtis adds. Williams said he couldn’t provide any details because it’s a “personal situation,” but he confirmed that Burke is still part of the coaching staff.
- The Pistons aren’t in the market for a “panic trade,” league and team sources tell James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, but he talked to a few of his colleagues about the kind of deals the front office might pursue if things don’t change. He considers potential trades with the Warriors involving Andrew Wiggins, the Raptors involving OG Anunoby and the Knicks to get back their first-round draft pick, which is top-18 protected in 2024.
Why would GSW trade Wiggins to the Pistons unless they are getting a couple young tall players.
Desperate desire for more scoring? Bojan Bogdanovic is a very efficient shooter who can function with and without the ball, and Bagley has been good so far, for example. If Wiggins doesn’t look like he’ll rebound, it might be worth it to them if they plan on extending Steph’s contending window. That good game he had against OKC hasn’t been followed up by much else.
I don’t think the Warriors should trade Wiggins for that kind of package, but it’s possible. Or they might work out a 3-team deal with the Raptors to acquire OG, or something. Just speculation at this point.
Defense is more of the problem for GSW. Seen to many 3 pt shots going in with no defender around the shooter. Teams with size advantage is a problem too. Still too soon to trade until Green shows his defense can change the problems. Green has missed half the games so far this season.
They need help on both ends, really. Both offense and defense are middle of the road. But with Green coming back, it’s more likely that their defense will pick up. Not really any in-house reinforcements for offense at the present time, unless the young guys start going crazy.
And yeah, like I said. Just open speculation on how they might change things moving forward.
My only thought is they are interested in being the 3rd team in a Wiggins or Anunoby trade and take on salary in order to get more assets.
Wiggins and Kuminga for Stewart and Bogdan
No way kuminga is gonna be better than both of those guys they should be playing him more instead of trying to trade him
Why would Warriors trade Wiggins.
Monty is underachieving so far, if you ask me. He’s overpaid and thinks he’s the one to decide. Better wake up ……
Good to hear there’s still faith in Ivey and that he’s just adjusting to a new role. That’s always tough for young guys.
Maybe the Warriors should trade for that James Wiseman guy. He seems to have some potential. He ain’t getting much run in Detroit, maybe the Warriors could give a player like him a fresh start. Wouldn’t hurt to kick the tires as it probably wouldn’t take much to get him in a trade.
Knicks deal seems fair; that pick is worth more to the Pistons than anyone else.
Warriors are definitely not adding to Wiggins just to get rid of him. Raptors trade doesn’t make sense for either. Raptors can get more assets or a surer thing at PG, while Pistons are basically throwing their draft dept under the bus by admitting error so soon.
Bojan, Wiseman, Bagley and Hayes for a young tall SG and a young PF who can shoot with whatever comes with that. Sasser, Ivey, Stanley and Stewart as the strong bench. Sign veterans on the bench after everything.