[Saba Sports News] The Detroit Pistons’ challenging November, marked by a winless streak (0-15), is compounded by internal issues, particularly regarding coach Monty Williams’ management of young guard Jaden Ivey. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports, Williams’ inconsistent use of Ivey has led to “tension” among the Pistons’ leadership.
Ivey, 21, has experienced a significant reduction in playtime this season, averaging only 23.1 minutes per game, down from 31.1 minutes last season under former coach Dwane Casey. This decrease comes despite Ivey’s impressive performance last year, earning him NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. He has been relegated to the bench in 10 of his 16 games, often losing minutes to players like Killian Hayes and Marcus Sasser.
This situation is perplexing for Ivey, who was the 5th overall pick less than two years ago and had shown promise, especially in the absence of Pistons star Cade Cunningham due to injury. Williams’ decision-making is even more questionable considering the team’s poor performance, with a 2-18 record and no wins since before Halloween.
While Ivey’s game still needs refinement, his limited role on a rebuilding Pistons team focused on developing young talent is causing confusion and may reinforce the narrative that Williams plays favorites.