Jaden Ivey recently made a positive return to basketball activities by hosting a youth basketball camp in Pontiac, Michigan. The Detroit Pistons guard coached boys and girls aged 6 to 16, sharing his expertise and encouraging young players to develop their skills in the sport.
This event marked a significant step in Ivey’s recovery process, as fans saw him actively moving around and taking shots after missing much of the season due to a severe leg injury sustained on January 1 during a Pistons game.
Details of Ivey’s Injury and Recovery Timeline
Ivey suffered the injury in a New Year’s Day matchup against the Orlando Magic, where a diving player accidentally caused a serious setback. He was stretchered off the court and required surgery to repair his leg. Despite the severity of the injury, the Pistons never ruled him out for the whole season, showing optimism about his potential return.
NBA insider Brian Windhorst shared insights into the situation, describing Ivey as
“one of the more interesting players to watch in the Eastern Conference last year,”
and highlighting that Detroit believed he could come back before the season ended. According to Windhorst, the team did not seek a disabled player exception because they expected Ivey to return to action.
Brian Windhorst on Jaden Ivey “By the time the season starts, he should’ve been fully healthy for 6 months. So I expect him- Yeah. to really get going. And he, he’s a guy that if he, you know, continues elevating, can really be a difference-making player, because the, that back…” —Brian Windhorst, NBA Insider
Following surgery, Ivey missed the remainder of the regular season but was gradually cleared to resume basketball activities as the Pistons entered the playoffs. However, he did not participate in the first-round series against the New York Knicks, which Detroit lost in six games.
Performance Before Injury and Prospects for the Upcoming Season
Before the injury, Ivey was having an impressive third season, appearing in 30 games and averaging a career-high 18 points per game while shooting 46 percent overall and 41 percent from three-point range. His performance even placed him among candidates for the Most Improved Player award.
Heading into his fourth NBA season, Ivey is expected to play a crucial role for the Pistons, assuming his recovery continues without setbacks. The team is hopeful he will be ready to start training camp with them in October and fully return to competition levels demonstrated prior to his injury.
Brian Windhorst reiterated his optimism:
“The point is, by the time the season starts, he should’ve been fully healthy for six months. I expected him to really get going.”
Additional Detroit Pistons News and Context
The Pistons have been active off the court as well, with developments including Cade Cunningham being imagined as a cover athlete for NBA 2K26, and the addition of new players to the roster. Meanwhile, Caris LeVert has shared his mindset after joining Detroit, and the franchise’s executives have garnered external interest from other NBA teams.
As Ivey prepares for a comeback, the Pistons’ overall trajectory remains one to watch closely, especially as young talents like Ivey strive to elevate the team’s standing in the Eastern Conference.