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Ivey knew he had work to do entering his first full NBA offseason. He said he has been working on “everything” when addressing the media at Howarth Park on Wednesday, but defense has been an emphasis for him.

“I think just using my God-given gifts,” Ivey said. “Being able to just play better defense, I think that’s what I tried to lock into more. Using my speed to get through ball screens and not giving up on ball screen reads. Always staying on the play, always staying involved defensively. I feel like I got better in that aspect.”

https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2023/09/23/detroit-pistons-jaden-ivey-defense-improvement-second-season/70924539007/

Ivey is saying all the right things, and seems to understand, he needs to improve his defense. His metrics last year were awful, at times worse then Bojan. I gave Ivey a pass last season, as he was a rookie, but as bad as he was, he needs to make a substantial leap this year, to become just a poor defender.

Good to also hear that they are (alluded to in the article) already being taught by the new coaching staff, and Monty specifically. Ivey also speaks to the Warriors, and how their core has been together awhile.

A good read. October 8th, first Pistons preseason game! (October 5th is the first NBA preseason game. Mavs/Wolves)

I'm very excited to see Ivey's sophomore year. His progress over the course of last season was very encouraging. It's my impression that this kid wants to be a great teammate. I can't get onboard with those who see him as a likely odd man out at this early stage of his career.

This kid has star talent, all star talent in his blood, he wants to be a star. So at least with him you know he’s gonna keep working to get himself there, and if he knows the defense is a criticism already in year one that’s a really good thing, even if he never takes a huge leap, but acknowledging it already, with his mentality, shows he will at least improve until he reaches the level of player he wants to be.

He does have the god given talent to be a very good defender I’d think

Another good article. Sorry to hijack your thread

https://www.nba.com/news/30-teams-in-30-days-pistons-2023-24

I sure hope so.

But I remember Stuckey working on his shot.

Brandon Knight’s 9lbs of muscle

Austin Daye’s confidence.


But guess what? They got me again. I believe!!!!

I'm glad he has the self-awareness. Also great to see "Cade is going to scare the league" next year, and if Ivey improves his defense, we'll win more games. Duren, Ausar, Stew and the other guys - who knows. We might not win much, but we need to see improvement, and most of that is effort (not giving up as Ivey mentioned above, especially with that crazy athleticism)

Drummond also always said the right thing. I'll believe when I see it, but if he become a plus defender he could be our best player.

He should at least be able to work himself up to average

I'm always very wary of firsthand proclamations in the offseason. It's so easy to talk the talk. Very few actually follow through.

I won't say Ivey can't be successful here. But I would much rather him say nothing and just show up to camp with an improved defensive mindset / skills. I could care less whether you tell me you are going to do something. I just want to see you do it.

Well yea it’s definitely at least 75% bs to appease the haters through the media, but I do think he wants to be a star, has a higher chance of it than most. He will become a star because of his offense though so, average defense is what we got to shoot for.

Yeah it's a puff piece but I remember Hayes saying he focused on the defensive end after his rookie season and that's shown to be true as it's the strongest part of his game.

I forgot Ivey is 6'4" with a 6'9" wingspan - with Cade back we should put Ivey on the opponent's best guard - assuming he can really dial in on that end obviously

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Hopefully he improves in that end he doesn't have to be a stopper as long as he's slightly below average or neutral he be fine. I honestly feel he's gonna have a big season on the offensive end this year.

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Canadafan wrote:Another good article. Sorry to hijack your thread

https://www.nba.com/news/30-teams-in-30-days-pistons-2023-24

No worries. Sometimes you've got a good article, unsure if it deserves its own thread, and plant it in another.

Works here beautifully.

The fluffiest of fluff articles. But Ivey has a good head on his shoulders and star potential.

Show me.

So if he gets beat on defense, we blame God?

He has the physical tools and potential to be a plus defender. But has to prove it on the court otherwise it's all talk, like a lot of these preseason puff pieces have been for as long as I can remember.

Let's give the rookie one chance to make God on his words.

hoophabit wrote:I'm very excited to see Ivey's sophomore year. His progress over the course of last season was very encouraging. It's my impression that this kid wants to be a great teammate. I can't get onboard with those who see him as a likely odd man out at this early stage of his career.

The problem is that a lot of his progress was due to him being in the lead guard role with control of the offense. That won't be his role this season and going forward so I think there are still real questions about his fit next to Cade in more of an off ball role.
The upside is very high obviously but I just wonder how he'll do in a support role playing off of a #1.