Jaden Ivey’s turbulent NBA career: From top-five pick to waived by the Bulls
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Jaden Ivey was waived by the Chicago Bulls for "conduct detrimental to the team" after publicly criticizing the NBA's support of the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.
- Originally the No. 5 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, Ivey showed early promise but faced injuries, declining performance, and controversies that culminated in his trade to the Bulls and eventual release.
- Ivey's NBA career was marked by a strong rookie season, followed by a quieter second year with emerging public expressions of his Christian faith, including outspoken comments about sin and repentance.
- After a left fibula fracture and knee surgery, Ivey struggled to regain his previous athleticism, was relegated to a bench role with the Bulls, and eventually shut down for the season due to knee pain.
- Ivey's public religious statements, including his criticism of Pride Month as "unrighteousness," contributed to tensions with the Bulls organization, leading to his waiver shortly after these remarks.
