Pistons’ Jaden Ivey ranked as one of the top SGs for 2022-23 season

Ivey was recently ranked by HoopsHype as one of the best shooting guards for the upcoming season.

Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey dazzled in a limited run during the Las Vegas Summer League and appears poised for a strong rookie campaign next season.

Ivey scored 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in his debut with the Pistons on July 8. He suffered an ankle injury five minutes into his next start and did not play again while the Pistons were in Las Vegas. He put up 11 points prior to the injury.

The fifth pick certainly had a strong run last month and appears a good addition to the roster. He figures to have a large role and was even recently ranked by HoopsHype as the 25th-best shooting guard in the NBA for the 2022-23 season.

Jaden Ivey arrives to the NBA with huge potential as a fill-it-up 2-guard who can score, rebound, pass and defend, one who just needs to tweak his jumper and learn how to play at different speeds to unlock his full potential. … Ivey has all-league potential and playing a position that’s down right now with regards to top-end talent. He has the opportunity to blossom into one of the NBA’s best at the 2-guard spot as he develops over the coming years.

The case can be made that Ivey likely wouldn’t have played much longer in Las Vegas even if he had not been injured. He showed what he can bring to the next level against NBA-caliber players, and the Pistons likely saw everything they needed from him.

Injury or not, Ivey looked electric on the court and should fit very well next to Cade Cunningham & Co. He enters the season with high expectations, but, by all accounts, is a player that has no problem reaching that level of play on a nightly basis.

[lawrence-related id=79166,79067,77690]

[mm-video type=video id=01g8k3d0wwpr68typ2fr playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g8k3d0wwpr68typ2fr/01g8k3d0wwpr68typ2fr-f989a599f5efffd647ca124f2b6f0f9d.jpg]

[listicle id=78368]

The Pistons’ new throwback uniform showcases the NBA’s boring jersey problem

The Pistons jerseys are fun, but NBA teams can do so much more with their uniforms

After years and years of fans clamoring for it, it’s finally done. The Detroit Pistons are bringing back their teal look.

You know the one — the Grant Hill jerseys. The joints with the flaming horse on it that looks like it came straight out of your nightmares or maybe just the Denver International Airport.

It was easily one of the best jerseys from the 1990s. Were the Pistons themselves good? Absolutely not. But the jerseys? A1. And now they’re back.

The timing couldn’t be better. They’ve got a young, up-and-coming core led by Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey that makes things pretty exciting. And, if nothing else, they look good.

Yeah, man. That’s definitely that old look to a tee, really. They nailed it. These are good. Really good.

But…not to trample on the fun here. I just can’t help but wonder when the next time we’re going to get a new jersey design is. Not just from these Pistons — but from anyone across the league.

As good as these are, they’re part of a problem that we, as fans, haven’t talked about too much. And that problem is this: The NBA’s jerseys are getting boring. Very boring.

Let’s talk about it:

Jaden Ivey helps Pistons unveil classic, teal jerseys for 2022-23 season

Ivey helped the Pistons unveil their “Classic Edition” jerseys for the upcoming 2022-23 season.

Detroit Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey on Monday helped the organization unveil its Classic Edition jerseys for the upcoming 2022-23 season, which serve as a throwback to the 1990s.

The team announced it will don a replica of the teal road uniforms worn from 1996-2001 when the franchise had Grant Hill, Jerry Stackhouse and Ben Wallace on the roster. The Pistons made the playoffs three times in a four-year span during that period.

The jerseys, which will be worn 10 times next season, were revealed at a party in Detroit with Stackhouse among those in attendance. They are expected to go on sale prior to the start of next season.

Photo courtesy of the Pistons

The Pistons will incorporate the teal look into their jersey rotation next year after a lengthy absence. Teams wear Classic Edition jerseys on notable anniversary years: The 2022-23 campaign serves as the 65th season since the team moved to Detroit from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

The teal jersey schedule will be announced at a later date.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=79067,77690,74757]

[mm-video type=video id=01g8k3d0wwpr68typ2fr playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g8k3d0wwpr68typ2fr/01g8k3d0wwpr68typ2fr-f989a599f5efffd647ca124f2b6f0f9d.jpg]

[listicle id=78368]

Behind a young core, JJ Redick sees big things ahead for the Pistons

The former NBA veteran believes the Pistons can eventually become one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Former 15-year NBA veteran JJ Redick recently praised Detroit Pistons general manager Troy Weaver for constructing a promising young roster and even made a bold prediction for the group.

The Pistons, led by Weaver, have hit on quite a few recent draft picks, which has helped form a strong nucleus in Detroit. They are headlined by former top pick Cade Cunningham while Saddiq Bey (19th pick) and Isaiah Stewart (16th pick) have also emerged.

The team also acquired Marvin Bagley III, the former No. 2 pick in 2018, last season ahead of the trade deadline and has Killian Hayes, the seventh pick in 2020. Additionally, they have some veterans, including Hamidou Diallo, Cory Joseph and Kelly Olynyk among others.

Detroit added lottery picks Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren last month.

Certainly, the roster has taken shape over the past couple of years and has offered hope for the future. Redick, speaking on the “Old Man & the Three” podcast, believes the team is on pace for some future success.

Obviously, (they have) Cade but Saddiq Bey. Jaden Ivey looked great in summer league before he got hurt and Isaiah Stewart, I’m a big fan of. I think he is a guy that stars in his role and then the big fella (Duren) from Memphis they just drafted. Troy Weaver has done an outstanding job.

I don’t know if it is next year that they take an Oklahoma-City-Thunder leap where all of a sudden they’re a playoff team and then the following season a contender but I’m excited to see them play over the next 2-3 years. I think, in 2-3 years, they will be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

As Redick mentioned, Ivey was on pace to have a strong summer league but was injured five minutes into his second game and was ruled out of playing again. Duren, on the other hand, had a good run, averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds two assists and one block in three games.

[mm-video type=video id=01g7sczp9yhh619pf6sx playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g7sczp9yhh619pf6sx/01g7sczp9yhh619pf6sx-163169c1ffe10fca1297aeffdce98109.jpg]

The Pistons look to be progressing in their rebuild after some great additions. While they don’t have players like Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook like the Thunder did when they made their leap in 2010, they have some strong pieces in place nonetheless.

After finishing near the bottom of the standings in each of the last three years, the Pistons appear to be poised to take the next step, perhaps as soon as the 2022-23 season.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=78248,74757,49408]

[listicle id=78984]

NBA Summer League 2022: The top rookie standouts from Las Vegas

Rookie Wire took a look at some of the best performances from the rookie class this year in the Las Vegas Summer League.

The Las Vegas Summer League came to a conclusion on Sunday as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New York Knicks to claim the championship trophy.

Throughout the 11-day competition, there were plenty of exciting performances from players and teams alike. With few second-year players in action, the rookie class was on full display with several individuals playing at a high level.

Of course, No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero dazzled in a limit showing before getting shut down after two games. Further down the draft board, other players stepped up and showed little trouble adjusting to their first NBA action.

With the event now wrapped up, Rookie Wire took a look at some of the best performances from the rookie class this year in games played in Las Vegas.

Note: Players arranged in alphabetical order.

Pistons’ Ivey, Duren to miss rest of Las Vegas Summer League

Pistons rookies Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren will miss the rest of the Las Vegas Summer League.

Detroit Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said on Thursday that first-round picks Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren will miss the rest of the Las Vegas Summer League.

Ivey suffered an ankle injury just five minutes into the Pistons’ second game and was ruled out of returning. He did not play on Tuesday and the team eventually decided to shut him down as a precaution. Ivey said afterward the injury is not serious.

The fifth pick scored 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in his debut on July 8. He had 11 points and two assists prior to the injury on July 9 and will finish the event averaging 15.5 points, four assists and three rebounds on 50% shooting from the field.

Meanwhile, the Pistons will also sit Duren after three games.

Casey said both players could continue to play if needed but they will rest them to ensure they are healthy over the rest of the summer. Duren will finish averaging 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds two assists and one blocked shot on 65% shooting from the field.

[mm-video type=video id=01g7z0s73heydpn9t69k playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g7z0s73heydpn9t69k/01g7z0s73heydpn9t69k-6a9e49ab8b0dad8362bb90fc769c37d7.jpg]

The two players each showed flashes on the court and looked to adjust to the summer league games with ease. The team values their addition to the roster and will be looking forward to getting them on the court next season as the group looks to take the next step.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=78765,78248,78551]

[listicle id=78368]

Injuries, other factors limiting rookie class in summer league

Several rookies have shown tremendous promise in a limited sample, but others haven’t been quite as fortunate.

The incoming rookie class has shown tremendous promise in a limited sample size during the Las Vegas Summer League with several notable players turning in strong performances.

No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero was electric in his first two games before the Orlando Magic opted to shut him down for the remainder of their stint in Las Vegas, averaging 20 points, six assists and five rebounds. The team ultimately wanted to get a better look at other players on the roster and will rest him, as a result.

Just behind Banchero on the draft board, the likes of Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., Keegan Murray and several others have also had strong showings during their time on the court.

Others haven’t been quite as fortunate as their peers.

At least nine first-year players have been limited or ruled out of games entirely due to injuries or other related issues. The list includes several first-rounders: Jaden Ivey (ankle), Shaedon Sharpe (shoulder), Dyson Daniels (ankle) and Jeremy Sochan (Covid-19) among others.

Some had various ailments prior to summer league, such as Walker Kessler (toe), Patrick Baldwin Jr. (ankle) and Ryan Rollins (foot) that have prevented them from playing. However, in the case of four players, their injuries occurred in Las Vegas.

Pelicans second-round pick EJ Liddell on Monday suffered a torn ACL in his right knee versus the Hawks. (Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports)

Teams are handling injuries differently now than in the past.

The strategies involved oftentimes do not sit well with observers of the sport. Fans want to see their favorite players on the court but with teams investing vast resources into these players, and millions of dollars in contracts, priorities have shifted in order to be cautious.

The Magic’s decision to rest Banchero after just two games was met with scrutiny by some. However, the team, in consultation with Banchero, agreed it would be best to limit him in summer league and made the appropriate move.

[mm-video type=video id=01g7sczp9yhh619pf6sx playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g7sczp9yhh619pf6sx/01g7sczp9yhh619pf6sx-163169c1ffe10fca1297aeffdce98109.jpg]

Though summer league games pale in comparison to the regular season, teams’ strategies to be cautious with their draft picks offer a glimpse into the general thinking of front offices. They want to protect players and are reacting accordingly.

Simply put, teams will continue to do what’s best for their players to maximize their long-term health and availability and that philosophy will likely continue for years to come.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=78862,78852,78820]

[listicle id=78368]

Pistons’ Jaden Ivey provides positive update on ankle injury

Ivey offered a positive update on his right ankle injury suffered on Saturday in a win over the Wizards.

Detroit Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey offered a positive update on his right ankle injury suffered on Saturday in a win over the Washington Wizards in the Las Vegas Summer League.

The injury happened just five minutes into the first quarter after Ivey landed on the foot of Isaiah Todd, who was contesting a 3-point attempt. Todd was issued a flagrant foul for impeding his landing space as Ivey had a noticeable limp after that play.

Ivey knocked down each free-throw attempt and then checked out of the game. The Pistons ruled him out of returning to the contest but Ivey managed to join the team on the bench afterward. He was not wearing a boot or wrap on the ankle.

The team hasn’t released an update on the injury but Pistons summer league head coach Jordan Brink said after the game that he did not believe the injury was serious.

Ivey then offered an update of his own on Sunday.

Ivey was on pace to have a tremendous game on Saturday prior to suffering the injury. He had 11 points and two assists during his short time on the court and looked to be electric. He made both shots from the field and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.

The performance came after Ivey had 20 points, six rebounds and six assists in his debut with the Pistons on Thursday. Even though he logged just five minutes on Saturday, he looked noticeably more comfortable in his second game than he did in his debut.

Detroit returns to play on Tuesday (9 p.m. EDT, NBA TV) but it is not known if Ivey will suit up in that contest. The team has been cautious with injuries in the past and could elect to sit him to prevent further damage to the ankle.

This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[lawrence-related id=78248,78672,77690]

[mm-video type=video id=01g6971fma2tv43bvscy playlist_id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01f1jxkahtwnvzepyp image=https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/video/thumbnail/mmplus/01g6971fma2tv43bvscy/01g6971fma2tv43bvscy-57b6a88d18abc1cc41bf2baaf8fbcee1.jpg]

[listicle id=78368]

Pistons’ Jaden Ivey will be a star if his playmaking progresses like it did during his Summer League debut

Jaden Ivey looked good as a distributor during his professional debut.

Before the 2022 NBA Draft, many compared Purdue’s Jaden Ivey to Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant, and the comparisons made some sense.

Both brag top tier athleticism and have the powers to explode at the rim. Morant, however, led college basketball in assists before he was selected by Memphis. But on the other hand, my primary concern about Ivey was his willingness as a passer.

Other recent lottery picks his height (or shorter) with a similar collegiate assist rate to Ivey have typically not translated as high-level distributors once playing in the NBA. This isn’t a knock on Ivey so much as it is a feature of his playing style. He has a score-first mentality, which makes him more of a two-guard than a floor general.

According to Synergy, Ivey was one of 21 drafted players who completed at least 50 passes out of the pick and roll last season. Among those players, only Jaden Hardy (27.4 percent) and Bennedict Mathurin (33.7 percent) looked to pass less often than Ivey (34.2 percent) last season.

Just for comparison: The most willing and deferential of the pick-and-roll playmakers on the other end of the spectrum were Vince Williams Jr. (55.6 percent), TyTy Washington (58 percent), Andrew Nembhard (58.6 percent), and JD Davison (66.5 percent).

But what impressed me most about Ivey’s professional debut during NBA 2K23 Summer League was, in fact, his playmaking. Watch the first play of the game, above, to see Ivey curl off a screen for an alley-oop lob to fellow rookie Jalen Duren.

It was incredibly encouraging for me to watch Ivey continue to use his speed and force to drive towards the basket, then kick it out to his teammates on the perimeter or the midrange.

With his explosiveness, Ivey will draw so much gravity his rim pressure will bring defenders with him towards the basket. As those opponents give him the attention he deserves, teammates including Cade Cunningham and Saddiq Bey will have more space to shoot wide-open attempts.

Detroit had a relatively low assist percentage on drive-and-kick scenarios last season, and Ivey should immediately bolster their attacking game.

Most of all, however, Ivey is best utilized in a downhill offense as the ball-handler in transition. He recorded four such assists during his professional debut against the Trail Blazers in Las Vegas, and it’s an aspect of his game that should continue to translate well during the regular season.

Possessions like the one below, a jumping behind-the-back pass, are not always going to work against NBA defenders. But the daringness to try speaks volumes about his confidence and experimental mindset.

I’m not sure I would have recommended the degree of daringness that Ivey bust out on this possession, and maybe it wasn’t the best read on the floor.

Ivey, though, is showing he is someone who is more than willing to make high-risk, high-reward gambles. We saw some of those flashes while he was in college, too.

I loved the aggressiveness with which Ivey looked to pass during Summer League, and while it’s still only one game, it leaves me optimistic about his overall future.

[listicle id=1905805]

[lawrence-related id=1928283]

NBA Rookie of the Year: Paolo Banchero early favorite to win in 2023

With the NBA draft completed, @Tipico Sportsbook has released some early odds for the Rookie of the Year award next season.

The NBA is full-steam ahead toward the start of the Las Vegas Summer League on Thursday as the incoming rookie class will have the opportunity to take the court for the first time.

The top picks in the draft will take center stage with the likes of Paolo Banchero, Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr. all debuting with their respective teams. Fans will even have a chance to see Holmgren a bit earlier as the Oklahoma City Thunder are also participating in the Salt Lake City Summer League this week.

Before those players even take the court, Tipico Sportsbook has already handicapped the class and released some early odds for the Rookie of the Year award next season. The race will certainly fluctuate over the course of the next several months so it will be worth monitoring how things will change in the eyes of the oddsmakers.

Here are the current odds for the 2022-23 NBA Rookie of the Year race.