Heading into the 2022 NBA Draft, Jaden Ivey was really hoping that he would land with the Detroit Pistons and that was no surprise considering the connections he has to the city of Detroit.
During a recent interview with The Spun, Ivey explained why the Pistons would be the perfect fit.
“I would love to go anywhere, but Detroit, my mom [Notre Dame head women's basketball coach Niele Ivey] played for the Detroit Shock in the WNBA. I've lived in the area and I know what it's like. Detroit [which picks fifth overall] could be an option.”
As we now know, Ivey was selected by the Pistons with the No. 5 overall pick and he is fired up about getting to work with his new team.
Jaden Ivey reveals challenge given to him by Pistons GM Troy Weaver
After being selected by the Pistons, Ivey spoke to James Edwards of The Athletic and he said that his initial pre-draft conversations with Pistons GM Troy Weaver and head coach Dwane Casey were “intense.”
Edwards also revealed the challenge that Weaver gave to him.
“They were very intense,” Ivey told The Atheltic. “I felt like they really wanted me. They were very genuine conversations. They talked about winning, and that’s what I want to do. We talked about setting a defensive presence when I get there and bringing back winning to Detroit.
(Weaver) challenged me to be a great defender. I want to do that. He wants me to be part of this culture that they’re building on that side of the ball. I want that challenge. They want to win. I want to help them win. I want to show that I have some dawg in me.
Nation, are you happy that the Detroit Pistons landed Jaden Ivey at No. 5? If not, who would you have preferred?
