Pistons continue gradual ramp-up for Jaden Ivey amid lineup shifts
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DETROIT — Guard Jaden Ivey has appeared in 18 consecutive games since returning from offseason knee surgery, yet the Detroit Pistons are still limiting him to short bursts, surpassing 20 minutes only twice in that span.
“There’s a plan in place for him to ramp up where he’s comfortable, where he’s confident, so that he can get back to playing the bulk minutes,” head coach JB Bickerstaff told reporters.
Ivey, 23, is averaging 8.4 points while shooting 47.0% from the field, 40.7% from three and 80.8% at the foul line. Advanced metrics show promise alongside backcourt partner Cade Cunningham; the duo owns a plus-13.3 net rating over 137 minutes this season. Even so, veteran shooter Duncan Robinson may keep his spot in the rotation for now because of the floor-spacing he provides.
Tobias Harris exits with hip strain
Forward Tobias Harris logged only six minutes in Tuesday’s 116-108 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers before leaving with a left hip strain. The team has listed him as doubtful for Thursday’s home game against the Miami Heat.
Ausar Thompson’s relentless preparation
Rookie wing Ausar Thompson refuses to slow down after games, often heading straight to the weight room or film sessions. “He does so much homework for each individual matchup,” Bickerstaff said. Thompson explained that his focus is staying aggressive without forcing shots: “Sometimes it means just touching the paint or getting shots for one of your teammates.”
Marcus Sasser makes strong return
After missing much of the early schedule with a right hip impingement, guard Marcus Sasser delivered 19 points, five assists and two steals against the Lakers. “It’s not easy to not play a ton and then come out and be as effective as he was,” Bickerstaff noted. Sasser’s outside shooting could bolster a bench unit that ranks 21st in three-point percentage and among the league’s bottom five in attempts.
Source: Hoops Rumors
