Pistons’ Jaden Ivey out at least 4 weeks after knee surgery – Basketball Insider
The Detroit Pistons announced that guard Jaden Ivey underwent right knee surgery and will miss at least the next four weeks.
Ivey played in a preseason game before problems arose. According to head coach JB Bickerstaff, the injury was not caused specifically during the game.
“It’s something he’s been developing as he works. Obviously, since coming back and in training camp, he’s starting to feel something,” Bickerstaff said. “We took precautions, then the medical team did the assessments and so on, and then had to make decisions that ultimately led us to where we are today.”
Ivey played only 30 games last season and missed the entire playoffs. He was averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists before fracturing his left fibula.
This is undoubtedly a major blow to the Pistons. They brought in Dennis Schroder to add depth at guard last year when Ivey was out, and he complemented that admirably. Schroeder now plays for the Sacramento Kings.
Who will step up for the Pistons in Ivey’s absence?
Marcus Sasser will now take on additional ball-handling duties, while Osar Thompson may get more opportunities to showcase his playmaking abilities. New signing Caris LeVert can also take on some responsibility, and they need him to do that.
Cade Cunningham is becoming a superstar, but the Pistons don’t want to invest too much in him. In addition to Ivey’s early absence, he will also have to adjust to life all season without Malik Beasley, who proved to be one of the best shooters in the league last season. Tim Hardaway Jr. is also headed to the Denver Nuggets.
So not only will Cunningham be better than expected from a playmaking standpoint. He also has to prove he can be just as effective without the same degree of floor spacing around him.
