The Detroit Pistons had high hopes for Jaden Ivey when they selected him at No. 5 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. But things did not go as planned.
Ivey, who was named NBA All-Rookie Second Team following his professional season, dealt with various injuries (including some very serious) during his time with the Pistons. This trade deadline, he was sent from Detroit to the Chicago Bulls in a deal that landed Detroit sharpshooter Kevin Huerter.
After playing four games with Chicago, he averaged 11.5 points across 28.8 minutes per game. During a loss against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday evening, however, he did not log any minutes due to a coaches decision.
“I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is.” -Jaden Ivey on his DNP
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Here is what he said after the game (via Joel Lorenzi):
“I’ve been dealing with knee soreness in my knee. I’m sure people can call it out — I’m not the same player I used to be. That’s why. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball setting is. … no matter how many DNPs, how many points I score, those things are a temporary thing. Jesus is eternal.”
The Bulls played five guards ahead of Ivey in the rotation last night and he told reporters he is ready to go when his name is called again in the future.
Chicago assistant coach said the choice was "strictly a basketball decision" involving Ivey, who becomes a restricted free agent at the end of the season.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jaden Ivey calls player he once was ‘dead’ while out of Bulls rotation