Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham will have wait at least another month for his backcourt partner to return.
Jaden Ivey is making progress from the broken left fibula he suffered on New Year’s Day against Orlando but it’s still uncertain whether he’ll return this season. He has transitioned to a walking boot and has begun light weight-bearing activity, according to a team press release posted by the PR department (Twitter link ). His progress will be updated in another four weeks as weight-bearing and basketball activities continue to evolve during the rehabilitation process, the statement adds.
Ivey underwent surgery the day after the injury, which occurred when Ivey and Magic guard Cole Anthony were battling for a loose ball and Anthony fell on the Pistons guard’s leg.
The No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 draft, Ivey had been enjoying his best season as a pro, establishing new career highs in points (17.6) and rebounds (4.1) per game, as well as field goal percentage (46.0%) and 3-point percentage (40.9%). He has started all 30 games he has 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.
The Pistons have been using Tim Hardaway Jr. and Ausar Thompson at the wing positions since Ivey was sidelined. They have missed his ballhandling and creative skills with Cunningham taking even greater responsibility in his absence. However, the surprising Pistons have gone 10-8 in the games Ivey has already missed.