"We have the talent to be one of the best backcourts ever": Jaden Ivey on chemistry with Cade Cunningham, his fiery start and more (Exclusive)
As the Detroit Pistons progress in rebuilding, Jaden Ivey's development remains integral. Under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Ivey is in the midst of his best season, averaging 18.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 31.6 minutes per game. He stayed positive through a tough 2023-24 season despite an inconsistent role and the team's 14-68 record, leading to his current success.
The Pistons added numerous veterans in the offseason, including Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Malik Beasley, which has helped the team to go 7-11 through 18 games—ranked ninth in the Eastern Conference. For this group, the payoff of being patient is clear, considering the team didn't win a seventh game last season until February 7, when they defeated the Sacramento Kings on the road. Now, they at least have a genuine chance to qualify for the play-in tournament if they continue to build as they have early.
Ivey has felt a great sense of belief among this group, and he envisions it only strengthening as they continue to grow together. With more veteran contributors in the mix, this team has seemingly found a formula to help make the game easier for young talents like Ivey as they ascend while working toward wins.
"As a team, we're gelling. We’ve made trades and changes, but this group has a lot of belief and trust in each other," Ivey said to Sportskeeda. "As we continue to grow, that belief will only strengthen."
Jaden Ivey's Developmental Progression
Now in his third season, Ivey's belief in his abilities and continued hard work on his game have helped him grow with the group. He's worked on what happens most frequently in games when putting in reps on the practice court, which has naturally translated from the development work he put in during his second NBA season.
"I think the most important thing is the belief has always been there, but the translation from year two and the details—whether in practice or in games—has been a key focus," Ivey told Sportskeeda. "I'm doing things I work on every day, and it's translating into my game."
Given how explosive of an athlete Ivey is, teams tend to prioritize preventing him from getting into the paint as much as possible. With the help of assistant coach Fred Vinson, who is known for being effective at fine-tuning shooting mechanics with players, Ivey has improved his outside shooting and pull-up jumper to help counter this. He's shooting a career-best 36.6% from beyond the arc, which he credits his offseason work with Vinson for achieving.
"Definitely, Coach Fred. He’s worked with a lot of guys on shooting, and he’s helped me a lot," Ivey told Sportskeeda. "We worked together in the offseason, focusing on improving my shot, and it’s made a big difference."
As Ivey works on his overall game, he's leaned more on being intentional with his reps on the practice court instead of just getting in a high volume. The intent was to find the right balance between substance while taking care of his body to be in the best shape he's ever been entering this season. There was a clear focus on quality, whether it was finishing, perimeter shooting, or his mid-range game.
"I made some adjustments. Instead of just putting in a ton of work, I focused more on detailed reps. I spent less time on the court to ensure my body was in the best shape for the season. I worked on the same key areas—finishing, shooting, mid-range—but I made sure every rep was intentional and done at a high level."
Improved Floor Spacing Has Helped
After undergoing offseason roster changes, the Pistons have improved their floor spacing, which has made it easier for Ivey to attack the paint in the half-court. Hardaway, Harris, and Beasley are all shooters with reputations that command respect from the defense, which has opened up the floor for Ivey to attack. He described this as being "amazing" and making a "huge difference."
"Definitely. Having great vets who can space the floor has been amazing," Ivey told Sportskeeda. "It’s only going to get better as we grow as a team. They knock down shots consistently, and their presence makes a huge difference."
Having better driving lanes naturally allows a guard as athletic as Ivey to leverage his speed when the gap is there. However, his continued maturation and changing pace have become even more dangerous with having more room to operate. He's continued to work toward finding a balance that makes it as difficult as possible for the defense to contain him while making it easier for himself.
"In games, I look for opportunities to turn on the jets, like when I see gaps or pockets of space where I can manipulate the defense with my speed. At the same time, I’m learning to slow down and control the pace when needed. Finding the balance between speed and control has been a focus. I know my speed is a weapon, but being able to slow down effectively puts the defense in tough spots."
Ivey continues to work on finishing, knowing that the more dangerous he becomes in this area, the more it'll open up his teammates. With more drive-and-kick chances comes improved flow in the Pistons' offense, and it takes pressure off Cade Cunningham, who tends to command significant defensive attention.
"I start every workout with finishing drills or touch work, and that’s been a big part of my improvement," Ivey explained to Sportskeeda. "Finishing at a high rate opens up opportunities for my teammates, like driving and kicking to create open looks."
"Limitless Potential" with Cade Cunningham
Ivey highlighted his chemistry with Cunningham on and off the court and is excited to see what they can achieve together. The game comes easier for Ivey next to Cunningham, considering the level of defensive attention he commands, but it also makes it simple for the rest of the unit.
"Our chemistry is great—we love being around each other and playing together," Ivey told Sportskeeda about playing with Cunningham. "He makes the game so easy for everyone. As we continue to build, it’s going to be exciting to see what we can achieve together."
When the Pistons added Cunningham and Ivey using valuable NBA Draft picks, they hoped to establish their future backcourt. Ivey envisions them forming a tandem that ranks among the best backcourt pairings ever as they continue to grow individually and as a duo.
"The potential is limitless. Cade is an All-Star and will be one of the best players in this league," Ivey stated to Sportskeeda. "Our ability to share the floor has been special from day one. I believe we have the talent to be one of the best backcourts ever."
As the Pistons continue their rebuild, Ivey's growth exemplifies the franchise's commitment to developing a competitive core. With a renewed focus on detail, improved shooting, and growing chemistry alongside Cunningham, Ivey is emerging as a cornerstone for Detroit's future.
As Ivey put it, "The potential is limitless."