Beyond top 3 prospects, Ivey stands out
With the NBA draft just days away, Jaden Ivey finds himself in an interesting spot.
The former Purdue guard has long been viewed as the only talent capable of shuffling the seemingly prophesied top-three order of Jabari Smith Jr., Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero in Thursday night’s draft.
The more common idea is that he should be the first player called after those three names are taken. The team picking after Houston makes the third overall selection? The Sacramento Kings, whom, Ivey revealed Monday morning, he’s hardly had any relationship with to this point.
“I never really made the decision to not talk with Sacramento,” Ivey said. “It just kind of happened.
“If I got drafted there, it wouldn’t be the worst option. I can’t pick. I’m not the GM who picks the guys, so I’m kind of just trying to enjoy this process, and whatever happens on draft night, we’re gonna stick with it.”
Ivey’s response was prompted when he was asked about rumors of his camp having reservations of landing in Sacramento, perhaps due to concerns about his fit with De’Aaron Fox and Davion Mitchell. The 6-foot-4 guard then made it clear he hadn’t spoken with or worked out for the Kings.
According to Ivey, he’s been brought in for workouts by only the Orlando Magic and Detroit Pistons, both of which he said went well. He stated that any other team that has watched him work out was at his pro day.
The Magic, widely expected to pick Smith, have a lengthy guard group of their own. That seemingly didn’t keep Ivey from being optimistic about them. The prospect of a backcourt composed of him and Cade Cunningham in Detroit is something he also expressed interest in, pitching the young duo’s campaign and attempting to dispel one of the misconceptions about him in the same breath.
“I feel like I can complement Cade a little bit, just with his ability to score the ball,” Ivey said. “I can play off the ball and read how the offense is going. Obviously, I could be a lead guard, but I’m a baller. If you need me on the ball, you need me off the ball, whatever it is to help the team win I can do.”
Detroit was among the teams whose film Ivey claimed he watched upon discovering the lottery order. That group included the Oklahoma City Thunder, the New York Knicks and the Sacramento Kings.
Ivey welcomed the idea of being selected with the No. 2 overall pick by the Thunder, who, barring any changes this summer, have a couple of promising ball handlers in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey. He called them an “up-and-coming team,” saying he could certainly help them if they chose him.
The 20-year-old wasn’t shy about being drafted by the Knicks, either. New York, which has been rumored to be interested in trading up to Ivey’s draft range from its current No. 11 overall slot, has had lead guard problems for some time now.
“A tremendous opportunity,” Ivey said. “A tremendous organization in the New York Knicks. I’d be honored to be able to play there.”
The Pacers, who own the sixth pick, met with Ivey via Zoom recently, which the Indiana native said went well. Fans of the organization, which has been reportedly involved in trade talks, are dying to pair Tyrese Haliburton with Ivey.
That leaves one team out within Ivey’s draft range: Houston.
The Rockets appear focused on Banchero, and Ivey said his only contact with Houston came in Chicago around the time of the scouting combine. He said he played against Rockets guard Jalen Green for some years in the Nike EYBL circuit, and despite not having heavy contact with him, Ivey relayed his respect for the promising sophomore.
“Just a great competitor,” Ivey said. “Someone that I look forward to playing in the NBA.”
Ivey has often been looked to as a prospective lead guard, with those visions mostly forming with him at point guard. The All-Big Ten first-teamer cited Russell Westbrook and Ja Morant — each of whom Ivey has drawn comparisons to due to his athleticism — as a couple of players he’s watched film on and tried to mimic.
He’s spent the draft process refining the skills that will prove he can play alongside another lead guard if the situation presents itself — whether that be Cunningham, Green or anyone else. Ivey said he’s been working on his midrange shooting and floaters. In any case, Ivey has prepared himself for the situation that best suits him.
“I think I’d fit in anywhere,” Ivey said. “I think I’m ready for all types of challenges that are going to come my way in the NBA.”