“The best thing ever?” Jaden Ivey needs to slow down

Jaden Ivey spent his first two seasons with the Detroit Pistons and was asked to slow down.

He often didn’t know when to unleash his incredible speed, which led to turnovers and poor shots.

He has improved this season as Ivey plays with more control, picks his spots more effectively and his numbers have improved with better efficiency.

But when it comes to a recent statement from Ivey, I would again advise slowing down.

One of the most exciting developments for the Pistons this season has been the development of their two guards.

Cunningham is playing like an All-Star and Ivey has already entered the discussion for Most Improved Player right from the start, so we get most of what we wanted from two of Detroit’s building blocks.

But the Pistons still have a losing record the entire time Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey have been in the league, which is why a recent statement from Ivey surprised me.

In an interview with Sportkeeda, Ivey talked about his potential at Cunningham, among other things, saying the following:

“The potential is limitless. Cade is an All-Star and will be one of the best players in this league,” Ivey told Sportskeeda. “Our ability to share the floor has been special from day one. I think we have the talent to be one of the best backcourts of all time.”

I’ve been impressed with Cade and Ivey so far and they’ve answered a lot of questions about their long-term suitability, but let’s not get ahead of ourselves here.

Cade and Ivey still have miles to go before they are even considered the best backcourt the Pistons have ever had, as Detroit has had outstanding backcourts in all of their championship years.

I’m not sure Cade and Ivey have reached Lindsey Hunter/Jerry Stackhouse levels yet, so they still have a long way to go before they reach Chauncey and Rip or Isiah and Dumars.

I love Ivey’s confidence and agree that Cade will be an All-Star and a top 15-20 player at some point, but until they start getting some wins, they will never be considered one of the Pistons’ great backs, let alone because one of the greatest backcourts of all time.

This season I would be happy if both of them were the best backcourt in the division. Right now, that’s not the case as the Cavs’ backcourt has that honor, and depending on who you ask, the Bucks and Pacers might be better too.

The Pistons earn respect as a team, and with that will come individual accolades, but only with wins, so let’s put the brakes on the “best ever” talk.