The Detroit Pistons picture Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham forming a dynamic and dominant backcourt for years to come.
It’s a combination that will start to form chemistry this week at Las Vegas Summer League. The Pistons play five games in a span of 10 days starting Thursday at midnight against Portland (ESPN).
“I’m just trying to learn, how I can benefit his game,” Ivey said. “It’s going to take some practices to get used to that.”
Ivey, the 6-4 guard from Purdue the Pistons drafted fifth overall 10 days ago, has been practicing with the young core of Cunningham, Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes.
“I feel we’re all connected as a group, just building that team chemistry,” Ivey said. “I love these guys already, they’re so fun to play with.”
Pistons development coach Jordan Brink, who is coaching the Summer League squad, said Ivey’s athleticism will provide a huge boost.
“Pair him alongside Cade and I think you got two dynamic guards, and dynamic in different ways,” Brink said. “The biggest thing this week has been Cade’s leadership towards Jaden. He’s trying to teach him how we do things. That’s been the coolest part of them together this week, the leadership and communication. Jaden is trying to soak up as much knowledge as he can.”
Ivey’s speed excited Pistons coach Dwane Casey.
“Just like any young player he’s got to learn how to switch gears and understand when there’s a highway traffic jam, do I go in there 100 miles an hour, or do I slow up and change speed?” Casey said. “That’s a good problem to have because it means he’s got elite speed. You can see the difference in the speed in our practices with him pushing the ball up the floor.
“And then on the defensive end, he made one play yesterday where he fell and then helped on one side of the floor and then went to the other side of the floor and got a steal. That’s just how quick he is. Don’t gamble in the backcourt and fall. But he made up for it. Which I always say, I don’t care if you make a mistake, make it hard, and he did with his speed.”
Ivey is working to be an impact defender.
“In practice I feel like I’m being really aggressive, just that Pistons mindset, that Bad Boys mindset, that you got to go out there every day and have an impact on the defensive end,” he said. “I feel like I really improved in that aspect when I got here.”
If Ivey can defend point guards, it will take that burden off Cunningham.
“I anticipate us doing a lot of switching and he’s big enough and strong enough to be able to switch,” Casey said. “Being able to guard multiple positions, he’s able to do that with his size and strength. He’s not a finished product with his body either. He’ll grow into that in the weight room.
“He’s got a bright future. Like with all our first- and second-year guys we still have growing to do.”
Ivey was genuinely excited on draft night, and that feeling has been reinforced during his brief time working out at the practice facility and getting familiar with teammates and staff.
“It’s been amazing,” Ivey said. “I felt like I was just going to my grandma’s house and (getting) home-cooked meals and my family was there. When I walked in, everybody just treated me like family. Everybody is supporting me and thanking me. Just to be here is an honor.”
This is the city where his late grandfather, James Hunter, played for the Lions, his father, Javin Hunter, played football at Birmingham-Detroit Country Day, and his mother, Notre Dame women’s coach Niele Ivey, suited up for the WNBA Shock.
Ivey has already started to connect. He and fellow 2022 draft pick Jalen Duren were introduced to fans at a Tigers game over the weekend.
“I went to a Tigers game when I was 5; it was good to be back,” Ivey said. “The first pitch wasn’t good. Disappointed with it. Hopefully be back there soon throwing the first pitch and it’ll be better. Got to work on it.”
More:
Ad Choices