The Detroit Pistons came into tonight's opening night of the 2022 NBA Draft holding the No. 5 overall selection, and it was general manager Troy Weaver who was tasked with identifying a young high-end talent to pair with last year’s No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham as the team continues their rebuilding process.
And they've got their man. With the 5th overall selection, the Pistons have officially drafted Purdue's Jaden Ivey:
With the fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, the #Pistons select Jaden Ivey from @BoilerBall. Welcome to Detroit, Jaden! pic.twitter.com/9AFqS7g3Rs
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) June 24, 2022
Take a look at his scouting report via Sports Illustrated:
“Explosivity sells at the NBA level. With franchises spacing the floor out for isolations and open-paint play, uber-athletic ball-handlers cater towards the current trajectory of the league. Purdue guard Jaden Ivey ranks at the top of this year’s draft class as an explosive slasher with on-ball play.”
http://gty.im/1384930436
The Pistons have drafted Purdue's Jaden Ivey
“With the modern NBA heavily driven towards combo guards, traditionally 6-foot-5 and up, Ivey is right on the doorstep at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds. However, his natural position leading into the NBA rests at the two spots. Despite most two guards having a couple of inches on him, this height discrepancy should be of little hindrance due to his style of play. To bolster his frame, his 6-foot-10 wingspan gives him the length to play up a couple of sizes, making him a trusty player to place at the two spot. In terms of measurables, Ivey is comparable to Donovan Mitchell, who entered the draft two inches shorter than the Purdue product, carrying an identical wingspan. Victor Oladipo is also similar in stature at 6-foot-4 with a 6-foot-9 wingspan.”
The newest member of the Pistons already has ties to Detroit, as his grandfather, James Hunter once suited up for the Detroit Lions, while his father and former NFL wide receiver Javin Hunter was born here. Additionally, his mother Niele Ivey once played for the now-defunct WNBA's Detroit Shock.
Welcome to the Motor City, Jaden!
