Jaden Ivey suffers apparent serious lower leg injury in win over the Magic

Ivey was taken off floor on stretcher

Jaden Ivey sustained what appears to be a significant injury to his lower leg/ankle in the Detroit Pistons ’ 105-96 win over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday at Little Caesars Arena.

Orlando’s Cole Anthony dove for a loose ball and the full weight of his body collided with Ivey’s planted left leg with 10:07 remaining in the fourth quarter. Ivey immediately screamed in pain and writhed on the court. It didn’t take long for both teams’ medical staffs to hit the floor, and before long, players from both teams surrounded the young Pistons guard.

Ivey was taken off the floor on the stretcher, and while Ivey gave reassuring comments to players who approached him, it appears to be an injury that will keep Ivey out for an extended portion of the regular season.

When play began again, it appeared that JB Bickerstaff was visibly emotional and Ausar Thompson was continually wiping tears from his eyes.

Losing Ivey for most or all of the season would be a devastating blow to a Pistons team that should be celebrating notching more wins this season than they had all of last, earning their 15th win on Jan. 1, and 3.5 months to go in the season.

Instead, they will be contemplating life without one of their best and most dynamic players. Ivey was having a great game against Orlando before the injury, with 22 points, including hitting 5-of-6 from deep and bringing his season 3-point shooting percentage above 40%.

Now the Pistons will need to contemplate how to replace Ivey’s explosive scoring in the starting lineup and his role as a point guard when Cade Cunningham gets rest.

The Pistons will likely turn to veteran Malik Beasley as a dangerous 3-point weapon and someone who can create space for Cunningham. That sounds great offensively, but it makes a weak defensive backcourt even weaker.

Over time, there will be opportunities for Ron Holland and Ausar Thompson to carve out more significant roles on the wing at either the shooting guard or small forward positions. They don’t really shoot, especially Ausar, but they can drive to the rim and play quality defense.

In a reserve role, head coach JB Bickerstaff will also likely turn more naturally to Marcus Sasser to provide point guard minutes.

On the season, Ivey is averaging 17.4 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4 assists in 30 minutes per game.