Pistons guard Jaden Ivey had an exciting 2024/25 season — for the 30 games he was on the floor, at least.
Keith Langlois of Pistons.com reviews Ivey’s third pro season and unpacks what’s next for him. Langlois notes that, under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, Ivey evolved as a jump shooter and a creator.
Across the aforementioned 30 healthy bouts, the 6’4″ pro averaged 17.6 points, 4.1 boards and 4.0 dimes a night. This summer, Ivey will become extension-eligible. Langlois notes that Bickerstaff has been an ardent fan of Ivey’s play. He can thrive both off-ball alongside All-NBA point guard Cade Cunningham and as a lead ball handler without Cunningham.
Langlois observes that Ivey’s role leading bench units could hinge on the free agency of reserve guard Dennis Schroder.
There’s more out of the Central Division:
The Bulls are potentially interested in selecting BYU guard Egor Demin with the No. 12 pick in this month’s draft — if he’s still available at that point, writes Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times. Cowley notes that the 6’9″ wing has already ascended from being out of the lottery to now potentially cracking the top 10. Cowley observes that Demin’s length could give him a major defensive edge, and his playmaking also makes him an intriguing prospect. His 27.3% shooting from long range may give NBA squads pause, but scouts appear convinced that has room to grow at the next level.
The Pacers, now back in the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years, face a major decision this summer when it comes to the future of free agent center Myles Turner, per Peter Botte of The New York Post. Indiana is apparently to retain the 6’11” big man, but he could become a hot commodity this summer. A unique three-and-D center, the Texas alum has been a critical contributor to his team’s two straight Eastern Conference Finals runs, and will prove integral if it hopes to fend off Oklahoma City in the Finals. Indiana has a $2.9MM player option on his backup, Tony Bradley, while third-stringer Thomas Bryant will also hit unrestricted free agency.
In case you missed it, Pacers forward Pascal Siakam was honored as the club’s Eastern Conference Finals MVP for his performance against New York, in a narrow 5-4 vote.