rewrite this content and keep HTML tags
Jaden Ivey will be reevaluated in four weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. Ivey missed a total of 58 games last season between the regular season and playoffs, after fracturing his right fibula on Jan. 1.
“It was something that was developing over his work, obviously from coming back, but in training camp also,” J.B. Bickerstaff said Thursday. “He started to feel something, then we took precautions. The medical team did their assessments and had to make the decision that ultimately led us to where we are today.”
Ivey is eligible for a contract extension with the Pistons, but that has been considered unlikely.
The Pistons will likely increase the opportunities given to Ausar Thompson to initiate the offense without Ivey, while Caris LeVert, Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins will also help fill the void.
“I know (Ivey), he’s a resilient person,” Bickerstaff said. “All these setbacks don’t deter him from what his ultimate goal is, and that’s to be a great basketball player and a great teammate. As difficult as it is for him and all of us to lose him for these first four weeks, I know that he’s going to come back better for it.”
