Ever since Jaden Ivey came back from injury, he's slowly but surely been finding the role that's most ideal for him on this Detroit Pistons team. As time goes along, it's becoming clear that the coaching staff's decision to use him off the bench in a reduced role where he's playing almost entirely off the ball is being totally and completely vindicated.
This refined role has simplified things for Ivey, and the difference has been noticeable. Instead of forcing creation off the bounce, he’s letting the game come to him, attacking the basket, and relying on his athleticism rather than overthinking possessions. The pace has slowed down for him, and that’s shown up in cleaner decisions and better efficiency.
Detroit has been playing better team basketball as a result. Slotting Ivey into bench-heavy lineups has taken pressure off him to organize the offense, which was never his greatest strength to begin with. Now, he’s flying through the lane and punishing closeouts. Those are areas where he can make an impact without dominating the ball, and the second unit has looked far more functional as a result.
What’s stood out is how completely Ivey has bought in. There hasn’t been any visible frustration or body language suggesting he views this as a step backward. If anything, he looks more engaged defensively and more purposeful off the ball. That's huge for a young team where there's the potential for egos to get in the way.
Jaden Ivey has bought in to his off-ball role
This also reflects well on the coaching staff. Development isn’t always about giving a young player more responsibility. Sometimes it’s about putting them in a position where they can succeed without overexposing their weaknesses. Detroit has sometimes struggled to strike that balance in the past, and getting it right with Ivey feels like a win.
Long term, this doesn’t limit what Ivey can become, it likely helps him. Learning how to impact games without needing constant touches only makes him more dangerous as his feel continues to develop. When the ball does find its way back into his hands, he’s attacking with purpose instead of obligation.
For the Pistons, this is a reminder that progress doesn’t always come loudly. Ivey’s adjustment hasn’t been flashy, but it’s stabilized lineups and improved offensive flow. He's shooting with a lot of confidence right now.
This is just another excellent development for a team that continues to dominate the Eastern Conference. Jaden Ivey is proving that he doesn't have to be in the starting five to be a big reason why this team wins games.