When the Detroit Pistons traded Jaden Ivey to the Bulls, it was supposed to be his chance for a fresh start and a better opportunity, but after only five games, he is inexplicably out of the rotation.
Ivey didn’t play in the Bulls’ loss to the Raptors last night, and he seemed as surprised as anyone, saying that it might be the first DNP of his NBA career. Ivey didn't sound at all happy about it, but did offer some possible reason, saying “I’ve been dealing with soreness in my knee. I’m sure people can call it out — I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead.”
Sheesh, a bit harsh, but it could offer some explanation of why the Bulls didn’t play him.
Chicago is also tanking, and has about 57 other guards on their roster, so Ivey’s absence may not be a permanent thing, and I am sure he’ll get more chances this season. But it’s not a great look for him or the Bulls, especially with Ivey heading into restricted free agency, which will get a whole lot more interesting if he doesn’t play consistently.
I’m cheering for Ivey, but it’s hard not to view this as a bit of a disaster for him as he tries to prove he’s worth a big contact next offseason.
Things aren’t exactly going great for the Pistons’ end of the trade either.
Kevin Huerter may not be in the Pistons’ rotation
Jaden Ivey wasn’t the only one who caught a DNP-CD last night, as Kevin Huerter also failed to get off the Pistons’ bench in their win over the Knicks even though the Pistons were missing two regulars.
It’s difficult to see where Huerter fits in, especially when the Pistons are back to full strength, as Javonte Green continues to play well (and is a better defender) and Caris LeVert is even starting to show signs of life.
It’s clear coach Bickerstaff is going to prioritize those guys over Huerter, at least for now, so like Ivey, it will be interesting to see how Huerter’s minutes are allotted for the rest of the season.
The Ivey trade was more about the future than the present, but it would be nice to get something out of Huerter down the stretch.
The Pistons were as interested in getting off Ivey’s cap hold and moving up in the draft as they were in Kevin Huerter, but it would be disappointing if he didn’t make some kind of impact off the bench, especially on nights when the Pistons are shorthanded.
So far, the Jaden Ivey trade has amounted to a whole lot of nothing for both teams involved.