Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey has been cleared to return to basketball activities just over three months after fracturing his fibula on January 1st. When the injury occurred, many believed it could derail the momentum of a young Pistons team finding its groove. But that hasn’t been the case – the Pistons have gone 28-18 in Ivey’s absence , proving more resilient than expected.
Their impressive run is a testament to the steady hand of head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and the collective buy-in from a roster that’s embraced the next-man-up mentality. Malik Beasley , Tim Hardaway Jr. , and Marcus Sasser have all stepped up, filling the void with energy and production. And the midseason addition of Dennis Schröder has been the perfect complement — a veteran guard who’s brought poise, pace, and leadership to a group that needed exactly that.
With the playoffs fast approaching, the Pistons face a new challenge: Should they reintegrate Ivey quickly, hoping he’s ready to contribute in the postseason? Or should they tread carefully, prioritizing long-term health and team chemistry over a rapid return? Their decisions in the coming weeks could define their ceiling come playoff time.
What’s Next for Jaden Ivey After Positive Injury Update
Scoring Void
For the most part, the Pistons have managed to stay afloat since Ivey’s injury. The Pistons’ defense has been the backbone of their recent success, while the offense has done just enough to eke out wins. Still, the Pistons’ scoring remains inconsistent and Ivey’s absence has left the most significant gap in that area.
Right now, the offense lives and dies with Cade Cunningham . His shot-making and playmaking fuel everything the Pistons do on that end of the floor. But the burden on Cunningham has been heavy without a reliable secondary scorer. The Pistons look balanced and dangerous when someone steps up — Beasley, Hardaway Jr., or Jalen Duren . The issue? That spark rarely carries over from game to game.
There have been flashes but no consistent second option. With the postseason looming, that could become a glaring weakness unless Ivey returns and injects the scoring punch this team has been missing.
Could Ivey’s Return Boost Pistons?
Even with Ivey officially cleared for basketball activities, it’s fair to wonder: will his game be at full strength right away? While his return is undoubtedly a boost for a Pistons offense that needs scoring firepower, expecting him to pick up where he left off immediately might be asking too much.
Still, it’s tough to ignore what Ivey brings — even at less than 100%. He’s one of the fastest players in the league. His ability to push the pace and collapse defenses is unique for the Pistons. Ivey’s speed and athleticism force opponents to rotate early, opening up lanes and perimeter looks for teammates.
This season, Ivey has made noticeable strides as a shooter, hitting a career-high 46% from the field and an impressive 40.9% from beyond the arc. He’s also grown as a rebounder and facilitator, showing a more complete offensive game. Defensively, his athleticism has made him a reliable perimeter defender who holds his own on switches.
Even if there’s some rust in his return, the upside is undeniable. If the Pistons want a real playoff push, Ivey’s presence could be the difference-maker they need.
What Should the Pistons Do with Jaden Ivey’s Clearance?
If this question had been asked just a few weeks ago , the answer might have been simple: shut Ivey down and ride the wave with the current rotation. The guard play had been steady enough that his absence didn’t feel like a pressing issue. The last two games have shifted that narrative.
In back-to-back losses to the Memphis Grizzlies and Sacramento Kings, the Pistons’ two key shooters struggled to put the ball in the basket consistently. Beasley shot 7-for-26 across those games, while Hardaway Jr. shot 5-for-18. Both are capable scorers in rhythm, but their inconsistency remains a concern — especially with the postseason on the horizon. That’s where Ivey could potentially come in.
If the Pistons want to make a legitimate playoff push, they’ll need all hands on deck, including Ivey. Even if he’s not at full strength, his ability to generate offense, push the tempo, and defend the perimeter could distinguish between a first-round exit and a deeper run. The question isn’t whether the Pistons need Ivey. It’s how quickly they can bring him back into the fold without risking the progress they’ve made — or his long-term health.
The Last Word
Ivey being cleared to basketball activities presents promise and pressure for a Pistons team trying to turn a surprising season into a memorable one. His dynamic scoring, improved shooting, and defensive versatility are tools this team could desperately use down the stretch. But reintegrating a key piece this late in the year isn’t without risk.
The Pistons must carefully balance urgency and caution. They need to chase playoff success while protecting Ivey’s long-term future. If they strike that balance, his return could be more than a boost. It might be the spark they need.
Photo credit: © Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
The post What’s Next for Jaden Ivey After Positive Injury Update appeared first on Last Word On Basketball .