The Detroit Pistons beat the Orlando Magic for their 4th win in their last five games, but it came with a dark cloud.
The Pistons shot the lights out, led by Jaden Ivey, who had 22 points on just eight shots before suffering what looked to be a serious ankle/leg injury that required him to be taken out of the game on a stretcher.
I watched the replay once and that was enough, as it was gruesome, especially for anyone that has ever suffered an ankle injury. I started limping just watching it.
It’s the last thing that Ivey and the Pistons wanted on a night when they moved into the 9th spot in the Eastern Conference.
And according to one doctor, the Pistons are going to have to learn to play without Ivey, who is having a career year.
Jaden Ivey injury update
Dr. Brian Sutterer is a medical doctor who specializes in sports injuries of all types, and he didn’t have a great prognosis for Ivey in a recent video.
Keep in mind that he hasn’t seen or treated Ivey, so he is making a diagnosis based only on video and his expertise, and to be honest, it’ doesn’t take a doctor to know that injury is serious.
Dr. Sutterer gave a medical opinion of an ankle fracture with possible dislocation, and if that is true, Jaden Ivey is likely done for the season, which is the last thing Pistons’ fans want to hear.
If true, this is horrible news for Ivey, who was making the leap before our eyes and enjoying by far the best season of career on a team that is battling for a play-in spot.
He has not only been very efficient of late, but has done it in the most important times of the game.
What do the Pistons do now?
If Ivey is indeed out for the season, the Pistons will likely have to pivot to Ausar Thompson or Malik Beasley in the short term, but the injury also has long-term implications.
Will the Pistons have to make a move for a guard? Will they be more inclined to trade for a player like Malcolm Brogdon as a stop-gap between now and when Ivey returns?
And possibly the biggest question: What does this mean for Ivey’s possible extension this summer?
But mostly, I feel for Ivey, who has played so well this season and looking like the player the Pistons need him to be.
The Pistons may have run in the new year with a win, but it came at a steep cost, one that is going to have big implications for their roster and future.