Pistons guard Jaden Ivey out four weeks after right knee surgery
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DETROIT — The Detroit Pistons said Thursday that guard Jaden Ivey will be sidelined approximately four weeks after undergoing surgery on his right knee.
The procedure comes less than a year after Ivey missed the final 49 games of last season with a left fibula injury. He appeared in one preseason contest before reporting discomfort in the knee, according to head coach J.B. Bickerstaff.
“It was something that was developing over his work,” Bickerstaff told reporters before the team’s preseason finale against the Washington Wizards. “The medical team did their assessments and had to make a decision that ultimately led us to where we are today.”
Ivey, selected fifth overall in the 2022 NBA draft, was averaging a career-best 17.6 points while shooting 41 percent from three-point range when he collided with Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony on New Year’s Day last season.
With Ivey out, the Pistons will rely on veteran guard Dennis Schroder, acquired last season, along with Marcus Sasser and two-way guard Daniss Jenkins. Third-year forward Ausar Thompson has also taken on additional playmaking duties when All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham rests.
The team indicated that Ivey’s absence from regular-season action could stretch to 10 months. The 23-year-old is eligible for a rookie-scale contract extension before the Oct. 20 deadline.
“Our priority is to do what’s right by our guys and never put them in a position where we feel like we have to rush them back,” Bickerstaff said. “We know mentally how that can impact him, physically and long-term as well.”
Source: ESPN
