Jaden Ivey is still working his way back from a significant leg injury, and while the explosive first step that made him such a dynamic downhill threat hasn’t fully returned, he’s finding a new lane for himself - and it starts beyond the arc.
Over the course of this season, Ivey has quietly become one of the Pistons’ more reliable catch-and-shoot options from three. He’s hitting over 40% on catch-and-shoot triples, and 38% from deep overall - a much-needed bright spot for a Detroit team that’s been starving for perimeter shooting.
Last night, he knocked down 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, and nearly all of his attempts came from long range. That’s not a coincidence - it’s a sign that Ivey is leaning into a new identity as a floor spacer.
And honestly, that’s not a bad thing. When a player’s athleticism is compromised - whether temporarily or long-term - the ability to adapt becomes crucial.
Ivey’s doing just that. He’s not trying to be the same player he was pre-injury; he’s finding a new rhythm, and right now, that rhythm lives behind the three-point line.
But here’s the catch: if Ivey isn’t going to be a creator off the dribble, he can’t afford to be a turnover risk when he does put the ball on the floor.
That’s the part of his game that’s still lagging behind. Ivey’s assist-to-turnover ratio is almost even this season, with a career-low 1.6 assists per game and 1.1 turnovers. Last night, he had four turnovers and zero assists - not exactly what you want from a guard, especially one who wasn’t being asked to initiate the offense in the first place.
The issue isn’t just the numbers - it’s how those turnovers are happening. Ivey has a tendency to dribble into traffic without a clear plan, often leading to forced passes or giveaways.
He’s not being asked to do too much with the ball, and yet the mistakes keep coming when he tries to create. That’s a problem.
Detroit, as a team, already struggles with turnovers. But some of those are forgivable - aggressive plays, high-usage players like Cade Cunningham trying to create something out of nothing.
Those you can live with. What’s harder to stomach are the unforced errors, especially from a player who’s transitioning into a role that doesn’t require a ton of ball-handling.
To put it bluntly: right now, Jaden Ivey is more of a liability when he dribbles than when he doesn’t. And that’s a tough pill to swallow for a player who came into the league with so much promise as a slasher and creator.
If you’re looking for a model of how Ivey could evolve, look no further than Duncan Robinson. He’s made a career out of quick decisions - catch and shoot, swing the ball, or attack a closeout with purpose.
Robinson doesn’t over-dribble, doesn’t try to do too much, and plays within his role. And he’s averaging more assists than Ivey right now, with just over half the turnovers.
That’s the kind of efficiency Ivey needs to chase if he’s going to thrive in this new role. The shooting is already there - nearly 48% from deep over his last five games - and that’s a real asset. But being a role player in the NBA means doing the little things right, and that includes taking care of the ball.
There’s still time for Ivey to round into form, and patience is warranted - especially given the injury he’s coming back from. But the path forward is clear: embrace the shooting role, cut down on the turnovers, and make quicker, smarter decisions. If he can do that, he’ll still have a meaningful place in this Pistons rebuild.