Detroit Pistons: Why Jaden Ivey’s shooting numbers will improve

The offseason is well underway for the Detroit Pistons and most of the focus has been on what they haven’t done.

They didn’t make a splashy addition in free agency, but instead used their cap space on low-level trades for veterans on expiring contracts. Joe Harris and Monte Morris aren’t the most exciting names, but the Pistons should be better, at least shooting the ball.

The biggest addition to next year’s roster will be Cade Cunningham, whose absence this past season ruined any chance the Pistons had to be competitive.

Cunningham’s return is going to help everyone, but the biggest beneficiary may be backcourt mate Jaden Ivey, who showed some things off the ball last season that should have Pistons fans excited.

Detroit Pistons: Why Jaden Ivey’s shooting numbers will improve

Jaden Ivey was thrust into a larger playmaking role after Cunningham went down last season, so it’s not surprising that his shooting numbers were fairly inefficient. He shot 41.6 percent from the field and 34 percent from 3-point range, which isn’t bad considering he was forced into being the point guard and primary playmaker.

His 52 percent True Shooting is something that definitely needs improvement, and there are signs that it could come with Cunningham’s return and a new role for Ivey.

Ivey’s 3-point numbers ticked up to 37.4 percent off the catch and were just 30 percent on pull-up 3-pointers. He should be getting far more of the catch-and-shoot variety next season, as he’ll be playing more off the ball whether it’s with Cade Cunningham or Monte Morris running the offense.

We’re going to see Ivey do more of what he does best, which is hit catch-and-shoot jumpers and attack the rim, which should be easier as a secondary playmaker who can take advantage of Cade’s gravity. Ivey will make quicker decisions in Monty Williams’ offense, so will either take his shot, immediately drive to the hoop or keep the ball moving with less need to dribble to get open.

This should benefit his shooting and turnover numbers, as he’ll be in better position to do the things that he does best and getting better looks out of the set offense. We could see him closer to 40 percent overall from 3-point range when you replace some of those pull ups with shots off the catch.

And with Cade and Ausar Thompson creating more fast break opportunities with defense, Ivey should be the beneficiary of a few more run outs, which will also help his overall shooting numbers.

We didn’t get to see much of the two of them together, but Cade Cunningham could unlock Jaden Ivey’s scoring potential by putting him in a more favorable role.