Did you question how ready Detroit Pistons rookie Jaden Ivey was for the NBA? Twelve games in and he’s wreaking havoc on NBA defenses like a veteran guard, and proving to be a solid defender.

In a season sure to bring a lot of growing pains and losses, Jaden Ivey has been a consistent positive. There was no difference Wednesday during the Pistons 128-112 loss to the Boston Celtics.

Already outmatched coming into the game, it didn’t make matters easier that team star Cade Cunningham didn’t make a basket in the first half. Ivey picked up the slack with a half time double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, with his speed seeming unstoppable. Some plays made one of the NBA’s better defenders, Marcus Smart, seem non-existent at times.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown overwhelmed the Pistons defense by scoring 31 and 30 points respectively. Sam Hauser also scored 24 off the bench after making what seemed like 10,000 three pointers. Ok, really he was 6-12 from three but it sure felt like more.

Defensive effort was better in this game, but overall skill and understanding on that end of the floor needs work. Quite frankly, the defense appears to be a work in progress. Marvin Bagley’s return will definitely help, but I wouldn’t expect a huge jump in the win column.

Jaden Ivey

Jaden Ivey dazzled with lightning quick speed and command of the offense. But his playmaking has been a pleasant surprise as he led the team with six assists and zero turnovers. More impressively he also led the team in scoring with 19 on 50 percent shooting.

He’s already shown growth in composure and not being forced into mistakes. The Celtics changed the way they defended Ivey in the second half, showing the respect the rookie is starting to garner in the NBA.

To take the next step in his development, consistency is key. Defenses are beginning to defend Ivey and Cunningham differently throughout the game, as teams seek to slow the young but talented backcourt.

#Pistons Jaden Ivey is fast. One man fast break off the rebound for the and-1.

🎥 Via @NBCSBoston pic.twitter.com/tMZQ1PIyZS

— Brandon Dent | @WoodwardSports #DetroitKoolAid (@DetroitKoolAid) November 10, 2022

Hey, Hayes!

Killian Hayes played his most aggressive game of the season. He scored 16 points and focused on getting to his hot scoring zones. Hayes chose not to wait for plays to develop, but attacked in ways that reminded us of Cade Cunningham.

I’ve begged to see more of this from Hayes, especially after the good showing in preseason taking more field goal attempts. It’s better for Hayes, coach Casey and the Detroit Pistons.

With Hayes, it’s often a matter of confidence and aggression more than skill set that effects his production. The game plan when he was on the court appeared to be allowing him to just run the show. Just like Saddiq Bey, Hayes is better when he’s looking for his a little bit more.

The biggest question for Hayes after a good night: Can he still be productive if the shot isn’t falling as efficiently?