Before the Detroit Pistons tipped off their Tuesday night game against the Toronto Raptors, head coach JB Bickerstaff addressed what became the biggest storyline in the NBA this week.
Jaden Ivey of the Chicago Bulls was released by the team on Monday, March 30.
Not even two months prior, Bickerstaff had Ivey on his roster.
Considering Ivey went out of Chicago in a controversial fashion, Bickerstaff’s statement was lengthy.
Pistons Coach JB Bickerstaff Drops A Statement On Jaden Ivey
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 28: Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons reacts during the first quarter against the Orlando Magic at Little Caesars Arena on November 28, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
“Obviously, having built a relationship with JI and feeling like you know his character and his heart, is one thing. For him to go through what heâs gone through, I know how itâs been extremely difficult for him as far as the way he was playing, the injuries, trying to make the comeback, and trying to overcome that.
I donât think we can overlook the human aspect of all these things and how that impacts people and their decisions. Having said that, I also believe the NBA is one of the most inclusive environments in pro sports, and itâs a genuine thing that celebrates different ethnicities, heritages, sexual preferences, whatever it may be. The NBA brings people together. I think thatâs the great thing about our sport, and itâs something that we understand the responsibility as you live that day to day, but giving people an opportunity to be who they are.
If we donât believe the same thing, as long as your beliefs donât infringe upon me, you have a right to have your beliefs and be the person that you are. This environment should be an environment that supports that and gives people the opportunity to be the best version of themselves no matter who that is or what they believe, or what choices they may make, again, that donât impact or infringe on other peopleâs.” via Omari Sankofa, Detroit Free Press
In the days leading up to his release from the Bulls, Ivey partook in an hour-plus-long Instagram live video, where he made comments that were deemed controversial.
The Bulls waived Ivey due to “conduct detrimental to the team,” according to the official press release.
Ivey parted ways with the Bulls after appearing in just four games. He averaged 28.8 minutes of playing time, while shooting 41.7% from the field and producing 11.5 points per game.
The last time he stepped foot on the court for the Bulls was during their February 11 game against the Boston Celtics. He experienced knee soreness after that game and was eventually shut down for the year.
A Brief Look At Ivey’s Pistons Run
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – FEBRUARY 07: Jaden Ivey #23 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter at the United Center on February 07, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
Ivey entered the NBA in 2022. He was the fifth-overall pick of the NBA Draft, coming out of Purdue.
Throughout his four seasons with the Pistons, Ivey produced 14.9 points per game, along with 4.0 assists, and 3.5 rebounds. He shot 43.1% from the field and hit on 35.4% of his threes.
During his first season playing for Bickerstaff, Ivey posted career-highs in scoring and shooting with 17.6 points per game on 40.9% shooting from three. Unfortunately, Ivey hit a tough obstacle when he was done for the season with an injury after 30 games.
In his second and final season with Bickerstaff, Ivey came off the bench for 31 of 33 games. He produced a career-low 8.2 points per game, before getting traded to the Bulls at the deadline.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Detroit Pistons Coach Makes Statement After Jaden Ivey News appeared first on Heavy Sports.