In the electrifying world of professional basketball, the name Jaden Ivey has been steadily gaining prominence.
However, the most significant question mark surrounding Ivey and the Detroit Pistons this season involves Ivey coming off the bench with the Pistons’ second unit.
Just a season ago, Ivey averaged 16.3 points, 5.2 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 41.6% from the field and 34.3% from deep. Notably, Ivey started in all but one of the 74 games he appeared in and led all rookies in assists per game.
While it may seem odd that a young prospect with so much potential doesn’t start — especially on a team like the Pistons — there is one main reason why the team has relegated Ivey to the bench: defense.
Pistons head coach Monty Williams has made it clear that defense will be a massive focus for the Pistons this year. Through six games this season, the Pistons have recorded a defensive rating of 109.4.
This is a noticeable improvement, as last season, the team had a 117.8 defensive rating.
With a shifted focus on defense, especially in the starting lineup, Ivey simply does not fit what Williams is looking for. Last season, Ivey had the second-worst defensive win-share rating among rookie guards who played 15 minutes or more in the regular season.
In comparison, Killian Hayes, the player Ivey would replace if he were a starter, finished last season with a better defensive rating than Ivey. Hayes also nearly cracked the top 20 in average steals per game among all guards in the NBA.
Notably, the lineup Williams has consistently started this season has recorded a defensive rating of 112.6. In comparison, the most-played lineup this season, which includes Ivey on the court, has registered a defensive rating of 130.2.
However, many positive things could come with Ivey on the bench. One thing to keep in mind this season is the other bench players Ivey will square off against on defense likely won’t have the same offensive talent as the starters.
While you could argue Ivey should guard the top guys to improve his defense, it’s important to remember defense is a development trait that cannot be rushed, especially in the NBA.
By defending less prominent players, Ivey can hone his skills and build his defensive confidence more effectively than if he were constantly pitted against elite offensive talents. This approach allows him to make strides in his development while simultaneously contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
Additionally, with Ivey coming off the bench, it gives the Pistons a noticeable advantage on the offensive side of things, something Ivey undoubtedly excels at with the second unit.
Take, for example, Ivey’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, Oct. 30. In just 19 minutes, Ivey recorded 20 points and shot 7/13 from the field. Having a player like Ivey who can torch an opponent’s second unit on any given night is a luxury not many teams in the NBA have.
Furthermore, Williams benching Ivey sends a message to the rest of the team. To become a starter for the Pistons, it’s something you have to earn, which forces the team to stay not only competitive on the court but with each other.
As the season unfolds, this unique approach to utilizing a rising star like Ivey will continue to spark conversations and debates among basketball enthusiasts and the Pistons’ faithful.
The decision to move Ivey to the bench highlights the dynamic nature of the Pistons and will make their NBA journey this season an exciting watch.
