Could the former Boilermaker really return for the playoffs following a serious injury in January?
The Detroit Pistons provided an update on star guard, and former Purdue Boilermakers star, Jaden Ivey on Friday. In a press release, the Pistons stated Ivey ‘continues to make progress in his recovery from a broken left fibula, which he suffered January 1 against Orlando. He has been cleared for basketball activity and will now enter the beginning phase of a re-conditioning progression along with a continued progression of court work.’ That is big news for a young player who, up until the injury, was having a breakout year for the a Piston’s team who had turned around their team faster than many had expected.
Following a year where the Pistons had gone just 14-68, the Pistons have gone 44-36 behind a stable of young players they have acquired through the draft. Ivey, a former lottery pick, had started his third season off with a bang and was averaging 17.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1 steal per game, all career bests outside of his assists. Notably, Ivey had become a 40% three point shooter, adding to an expanding game that found him to be moving toward the potential that saw him drafted 5th overall.
The @DetroitPistons today announced the following medical update on guard Jaden Ivey: pic.twitter.com/5c2wWJNUoK
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) April 10, 2025
Ivey’s reevaluation will occur in two weeks but the first round of the playoffs, where the Pistons find themselves the 6th seed, start April 19th. However, if the Pistons were to upset the third seeded New York Knicks, Ivey could potentially make a return when the conference semi-finals begin on May 5th or 6th (could move to May 3rd or 4th).