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[Saba Sports News] Despite the Detroit Pistons’ dismal 3-36 record this NBA season, Monty Williams has acknowledged one significant error in his coaching approach. Following a close defeat to the Houston Rockets, Williams confessed that he should have given sophomore guard Jaden Ivey more responsibility as the primary ballhandler earlier in the season. This admission came after a pivotal organizational meeting where Ivey’s role was a key discussion point.
Ivey, the Pistons’ fifth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and a standout All-Rookie team member last season, has been notably underused by Williams. Instead, Williams has often favored veterans like Killian Hayes, Isaiah Livers, and Alec Burks. This approach has been a source of internal friction for over a month.
With Ivey’s impressive performance against Houston and Cade Cunningham out with a knee injury, the Pistons are left focusing on player development. Williams, recognizing this shift, sees no further reason to limit Ivey’s role on the court.