The Pistons couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season, and they don’t want to ruin it when Jaden Ivey returns. Although Ivey’s scoring talent can give the Pistons the reliable secondary creator they are still seeking, his immediate insertion into the starting lineup could affect the all-time high team chemistry. As a result, the Pistons might opt to have Ivey come off the bench as he returns to NBA action.
Jaden Ivey: potential sixth man?
In Ivey’s absence so far this season, the Pistons have started Duncan Robinson at shooting guard. After a slow start in the first couple games, Robinson has come alive during the Pistons’ current win streak. He’s been every bit as good as advertised and is easily the Pistons’ best long-range shooter.
Robinson isn’t just a standstill shooter either. He’s a dynamic offensive threat whose constant movement keeps opposing defenses off balance. Robinson is averaging 13 points per game on a deadly 42% from deep, but his impact is felt in other ways too. As defenders chase him around the perimeter, it opens up lanes for other Pistons such as Jalen Duren to attack the rim.
In the Pistons current starting lineup, they have enough playmaking and scoring. Cade Cunningham has been utterly dominant all season long as the lead initiator. Duren’s growth as a scorer and creator also gives the Pistons additional cushion on the offensive end. Even the other starters in Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson have shown offensive improvements and new scoring abilities.
Robinson’s gravity as a shooter and selfless playstyle bring it all together. Without him, the Pistons don’t have other respected shooters in their starting lineup and defenses can pack the paint more effectively. But it’s a different story for the bench unit.
Daniss Jenkins has emerged as a lead initiator in minutes without Cade, but the Pistons could still use more scoring threats overall in their second unit. Different players have shown flashes during the extended win streak, but most of the Pistons’ bench is full of play finishers rather than creators. As Ivey ramps back up, this is where he could thrive most.
Jaden Ivey as a sixth man is a haunting memory from the days of Monty Williams’ coaching tenure but it would happen for a good reason this time. His fit next to the Pistons reserves will be ideal and it can be a great way for him to pick and choose his spots as he gets more acclimated to NBA action. The Pistons are lucky enough to have a starting lineup that isn’t desperate for Ivey’s talent and they can take advantage by having him lead the bench unit.