Any hope that Pistons starting guard Jaden Ivey would return prior to the end of the regular season was officially dashed by the latest medical update provided by the club.
Ivey’s rehabilitation from a broken fibula has progressed to “weight-bearing strengthening exercises, running progression activity and stationary shooting,” the team’s PR department tweets
. The next updated regarding his rehab will be updated in four weeks. The regular season ends on April 13.
As of the previous update , issued on Feb. 6, Ivey had transitioned to a walking boot and had begun light weight-bearing activity.
While there may a small window for Ivey’s return if the Pistons advance deep into the playoffs, it seems safe to assume his season is over. Ivey underwent surgery on Jan. 2 after Magic guard Cole Anthony fell on his left leg the previous night while the two guards were battling for a loose ball.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Ivey had been enjoying his best season as a pro so far in ’24/25, establishing new career highs in points (17.6) and rebounds (4.1) per game, as well as field goal percentage (46.0%) and three-point percentage (40.9%). He started all 30 games he played, averaging 29.9 minutes per night.
Detroit has already picked up its $10.1MM option on Ivey’s contract for next season. He’s eligible for a rookie scale extension during the offseason — it remains to be seen how the injury might impact those future negotiations.