Jaden Ivey’s journey from the Detroit Pistons to the Chicago Bulls was supposed to be a new chapter, filled with promise and potential. However, just five games into his stint with the Bulls, Ivey finds himself out of the rotation.
After his first career DNP (Did Not Play), Ivey opened up about the challenges he's facing, both physically and mentally, raising concerns about his health and future. His absence was felt during the Bulls' 110-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, marking their seventh straight defeat.
Loaded postgame from Jaden Ivey, who thinks tonight was his first DNP of his career. Said it doesn’t change his character and that he’s here to “do his job, glorify God.” Asked if he thought this was a possibility, he says “going into it, you gotta look at who’s on the roster.… pic.twitter.com/nz8BfC3PYy
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) February 20, 2026
Ivey was transparent about his struggles, citing knee soreness as a significant factor. "I’m not the same player I used to be," he admitted.
Yet, he remained grounded in his faith, emphasizing that his identity goes beyond basketball. "The old J.I. is dead.
I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is."
Acting head coach Wes Unseld Jr. explained the decision to bench Ivey as a "basketball decision," highlighting the challenge of managing a roster crowded with guards. Unseld refrained from discussing whether Ivey’s upcoming restricted free agency played a role, noting, “That conversation is probably above my pay grade.”
Despite sitting out, Ivey handled the situation with maturity, acknowledging his physical limitations without making excuses. He remains prepared for when his next opportunity arises, a decision that now rests with the Bulls' front office as they navigate his role in the team's rebuilding efforts.
Reflecting on his place in the NBA, Ivey said, “Going into it, you gotta look at who’s on the roster. … getting traded, that’s what happens in the NBA.”
This season, across 37 games with Detroit and Chicago, Ivey is averaging 8.5 points in 18.1 minutes per game. In his short time with the Bulls, he’s managed 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists over 28.8 minutes.
The defeat dropped Chicago to a 24-32 record, placing them 12th in the Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, Toronto climbed to 33-23, thanks to Brandon Ingram’s standout performance with 31 points, eight rebounds, and six assists.