The Detroit Pistons selected Purdue guard Jaden Ivey with the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Ivey was a central figure in the Boilermakers' 29-8 season, which saw him blossom into one of the best overall guards in the country and arguably the best in the draft. An electric high-flyer who can operate as a lead ball-handler or in an off-ball role, Ivey led Purdue with 17.3 points and 3.1 assists per game as the program topped the AP Poll for the first time in history in December.
Ivey is arguably at his best when he's able to get downhill, but he showed he can solve defenses in a half-court setting, too. In his second season at Purdue, the consensus second-team All-American and All-Big Ten first-teamer paired his ability to play above the rim with an improved stroke from beyond the arc, hitting threes at a 35.8% clip - a 10-point jump from his rookie rate. When all facets of his offensive game are clicking, the explosive guard is remarkably difficult to slow down.
Considering his background, Ivey's athleticism probably shouldn't come as too much of a surprise. The 20-year-old's mother is Notre Dame women's hoops coach Niele Ivey, who also starred as a player for the Fighting Irish from 1997-2001 and helped them win their first NCAA championship before a five-year WNBA career. His father is former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Javin Hunter, who also played four seasons at Notre Dame.
Bio
Position: Guard
School: Purdue
College experience: Sophomore
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 195 lbs
Wingspan: N/A
Max vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Loves to attack open space with an explosive first step that allows him to burst past defenders
- Excellent finisher who doesn't shy away from contact at the rim
- Shows future promise from long range due to his rookie-to-sophomore improvement on similar volume
- Can chase and bother opponents relentlessly on defense and utilizes his athleticism to recover when beat
Weaknesses
- Career 73.9% free-throw shooting could stand to improve for a player who scores predominantly around the rim
- Can struggle when forced left onto his off-hand during drives
- Needs to take care of the ball better if he sees more time at point guard in the NBA - his 94 turnovers ranked second in the Big Ten last season
