Pistons’ JB Bickerstaff on Jaden Ivey: ‘Can’t overlook the human aspect’

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff knows Jaden Ivey well, with Ivey on Detroit’s roster before being traded to the Bulls in February.

Ivey, of course, was waived by the Bulls after some controversial remarks. The Bulls officially cited “conduct detrimental to the team” as the reason he was let go. Bickerstaff weighed in on the situation with reporters on Tuesday.

“I know how it’s 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,” he said, via Omari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press. “I don’t think we can overlook the human aspect of 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 it’s a genuine thing that celebrates different ethnicities, heritages, sexual preferences, whatever it may be. The NBA brings people together. …

“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 that don’t impact or infringe on other people.”

Ivey will still receive the full remaining portion of his $10.1 million salary for 2025-26, according to reports.

Meanwhile, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said he didn’t want to get into specifics, but made the team’s stance clear.

“I think there’s a certain level of standards and expectations that are here,” Donovan said. “We’ve got to all be professional… there’s got to be a high level of respect for one another, and we got to help each other and then be accountable to those standards.”