Jaden Ivey has emerged as one of the most productive first-year players this season with the Detroit Pistons, and head coach Dwane Casey can see progress with the fifth pick.
Ivey is averaging 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists on 40.9% shooting from the field in 39 games. He leads all rookies in assists and is third in scoring and steals. His 160 total assists are the fifth-most by a Pistons rookie through 39 games.
Of course, there have been some learning moments for Ivey.
The former Purdue standout was thrust into a bit of a larger role than likely expected this season with the injury to Cade Cunningham. He is the lead ballhandler as a starter for the Pistons and boasts a 24.1 usage percentage and just a 1.5 assist-to-turnover ratio.
Casey explained the progression of Ivey through the ups and downs.
He has made progress. Like all young guys, it’s not going to happen overnight. He has made some steps but still has steps to go, like all young players his age. The intensity is there, it’s just the knowledge of what to do. Sometimes there’s paralysis through analysis. Sometimes when athletes like that think too much they’re paralyzed. I think he’s guilty of trying to absorb so much information. We try not to give him too much. It is a tough responsibility to start in this league as a rookie.
Ivey leads the rookie class in turnovers (107) and is 18th among all players. The injury to Cunningham prompted the team to lean on Ivey more at the point guard spot. He entered the season known more as a two-guard and the circumstances this year created quite a learning curve for him.
Certainly, the playing time for Ivey at point guard will help him adjust to the improved competition. The team is still in the development stages with so many young players on the roster, giving Ivey and others the ability to play through mistakes.
Ivey has been electric on the court this season and is emerging as a cornerstone player for the team. It will be worth monitoring through the second half of the season how Ivey can continue to adjust to the league and how he can improve.
Note: Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire contributed to this story
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