Jaden Ivey was facing a difficult task this season. Coming off a broken fibula that has kept him out since January, the 23-year-old guard had to integrate into a red-hot team after the first month of the season. The Detroit Pistons were already looking like an Eastern Conference contender without him, so Ivey had to seamlessly fit into a team that seemingly didn't need him.
Plus, Ivey was eligible for a contract extension all offseason, but the sides couldn't come to an agreement, putting even more pressure on the talented combo guard. This understandably created some trade buzz around Ivey. If the Pistons were to swing big in a trade for a star, Ivey seemed like a natural trade chip for these reasons.
11 games since his return, however, Ivey is giving the Pistons new reasons why they need to hold onto him.
Jaden Ivey Has Taken a Big Defensive Step Forward
In the statement win over the Celtics in Boston on Monday night, Ivey played a season-high 21 minutes. His shot wasn't falling as he finished with 1/7 from three, but he made a big impact on everyone else on the court. His defense, which has looked much improved this season, was particularly impressive against the Celtics.
While spending most of his time on Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, Ivey was also matched up with Jaylen Brown on multiple possessions. Despite the size difference, Ivey more than held his own, keeping Brown to 0/2 from the field, per NBA.com matchup data.
Ivey has looked bigger and stronger since his return, allowing him to guard up. Head coach JB Bickerstaff has been fine with him switching onto bigger players, giving the Pistons yet another perimeter defensive stopper.
This makes him a great fit for what the Pistons are trying to do. Detroit wants to have multiple perimeter defenders who can switch a lot, leaving very few places to attack. Ivey's emergence allows the Pistons to hit another level on that end of the floor.
Ivey's offense will come as he plays more. He is still a very good finisher and a willing three-point shooter, but the rust is evident in his offensive game. The Celtics game was a great way for him to get his confidence back, and once his shots start falling more, it will only be a matter of time before he plays over 30 minutes per game and even enter the starting lineup. The Pistons' desire to hold onto him past the trade deadline and evaluate him further is, therefore, understandable.