Rumors had been evoking for quite some time the annoyance of Detroit's leaders with the use of Jaden Ivey by Monty Williams. The 5th choice of the 2022 Draft was thus mainly used away from the ball by the Michigan coach, who left the organization of the game to Cade Cunningham Or Killian Hayes.
But in the last match, narrowly lost to Houston, the former Suns technician confirmed having participated in a “big meeting” with his management, where the subject was widely discussed.
“I had to digest it. I said to myself: 'Damn, it's true that I didn't do it. I have to at least try'. We did it this evening. I blamed myself for not having tried sooner. It's a subject that was brought up during our meetings, to try to place him (Jaden Ivey) more as a creator, at the head of the racket, on the pick-and-roll. »
Why had Monty Williams until now refused the Jaden Ivey solution at the lead, when the former Purdue had nevertheless shown interesting things in the position at the end of last season? No doubt because the 21-year-old has a risky game, and his ball losses can quickly fuel opposing counter-attacks.
More risks, but more lags
This was particularly the case last night, when he lost three balls almost in quick succession in the second quarter against the Wizards, allowing the latter to get back in front in the score.
“He assumed his responsibilities, and it was not pretended” also appreciates the coach. “He knew this passage had been complicated. Often guys apologize but only to take away criticism. There, he knew that these ball losses had given them quick points, and had broken our rhythm. But he was able to rebound superbly in the second half, and his defense was exceptional. »
And if Alec Burks, with his 34 points, was the big man of the match for the Pistons, in order to achieve a second victory in the last 37 games, Jaden Ivey (24 points at 9/18 shooting, 7 rebounds and 6 assists decisive) was also valuable, in the absence of Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic, who we also saw come to advise their partner after his complicated second quarter. Because if his game is risky, he also causes a lot more mismatches for his teammates than Killian Hayes, even if the Frenchman is much safer with the ball in hand.
