Every NBA fanbase is prone to overreactions, including the fans of the Detroit Pistons.
Social media has allowed fans to not only live and die with every game, but with every shot, which leads to some hilarious moments. It happened in game one against Miami when the Pistons went down by 19 points in the second half.
I saw so many “This team sucks!” “Weaver should be fired!” “Nothing has changed!” posts from fans who were saying “CADE CUNNINGHAM IS HIM!” 10 minutes later when the Pistons were back in the game and had a chance to win.
Emotional ups and downs are a part of being a fan and I understand, we’ve all had them.
That’s why I am trying to take a tempered approach to the whole Jaden Ivey situation, as we are just one game into the season and much can change from game to game, but there were those in the fanbase who are already concerned, irate and making irrational comparisons.
Early concerns over Jaden Ivey
Jaden Ivey was supposed to be the starting two guard, Cade Cunningham’s sidekick and part of the backcourt that would lead the Detroit Pistons back to glory.
But all of this was put on pause when new head coach Monty Williams yanked him from the starting lineup, instead bringing Jaden Ivey off the bench as a 6th man.
Ivey not only stunk in game one, but looked very uncomfortable in the process, as he turned the ball over several times, couldn’t get going offensively and had multiple defensive lapses that forced Monty Williams to burn timeouts in the second half.
So I understand why some fans are concerned, as Ivey was a top-5 pick, a guy we expected to blow up in year two.
And he still very well might.
Ivey is adjusting to a brand-new role after spending all last season leading the offense, taking as many shots as he wanted, and playing through egregious defensive mistakes with impunity. This is part of why tanking can be so toxic, it leads to bad habits.
Monty Williams is trying to break those habits by getting Ivey to commit to defense to earn minutes, you know, like a real NBA team.
It will take some time for Ivey to adjust to playing more off the ball and playing in a bench role, so we can expect some early struggles. But he is too talented not to get there, so I have every confidence he will.
I understand the concerns. What I don’t understand is the anger.