Jaden Ivey Has A Lot Of Work To Do, IF He Is Going To Play In The NBA Again
Ivey is definitely a gifted basketball player, but he has a lot of work to do to repair his image. According to Joe Crowley of The Chicago Sun-Times, Ivey was known as a “preacher” in Detroit, but added that Ivey’s interviews with the media “became sermons,” and that he asked team reporters if they’ve been “saved” and whether they’ve “fornicated before marriage.”
“I think there’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said about Ivey. “I mean, we have people from all different walks of life working in the building and players from all different walks of life, right? So, the first thing is, everybody comes with their own personal experiences. But one thing is, we’ve got to all be professional. I think there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we’ve got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”
Crowley added that none of the Bulls “shed a tear” following his termination. Ivey, who made $10.1 million this season, was headed for restricted free agency before getting released by the Bulls. He will now be an unrestricted free agent.
“Those who are around me, those who are my family members, betraying me because of what I spoke,” Ivey said on Tuesday as he revealed his wife (Caitllyn Newton) won’t talk to him. “The truth. Betraying me. Saying that I’m losing my mind. Saying that I’m crazy. Saying that I don’t know the truth. These are my own family members who love me.”
What Would Jaden Ivey Bring To A Team
Newton, a former Purdue volleyball player, disputed Ivey’s assertion that she abandoned him earlier today.
“We were communicating all morning of that day, Ivey’s wife wrote in her latest Instagram story. “People say things for attention, do not be deceived.”
If Ivey does repair his image, he should have suitors. NBA teams are always looking for talented guards. But his return to the league will likely require a full rebuild of trust and image, along with a willingness to be coached and to fit into a system.
However, an anonymous NBA Executive is not sure that he will have an NBA opportunity come this fall.
“I couldn’t sign him…” an anonymous NBA executive told Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix. If he wants to play basketball, he will likely have to go overseas.”
For his career, Ivey averages 14.8 points, 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds with shooting splits of 43/35.5/74.9. Moreover, Ivey is extremely athletic and capable of putting pressure on the rim, as he excels at getting downhill. He is an NBA-caliber starter who thrives in space.
While Ivey could certainly end up back in the NBA this year, don’t expect him to start the season with a team. Ivey is expected to play overseas if he wants to play this year. However, he may remain with the team and sign with a G-League franchise.
