NBA Rising Stars 2024: Jaden Ivey’s Burst Leads to Allen Iverson Comparison

Detroit Pistons’ sophomore guard, Jaden Ivey, stepped up to impress. He’s certainly stealing the show at the Rising Stars Challenge commentated by TNT’s Jamal Crawford and Candace Parker. With his limited playtime with the Pistons on a losing streak, Ivey has used the All-Star Weekend as his time to shine. Almost immediately his footwork has given Jamal Crawford flashbacks of a certain Allen Iverson.

“I’m not sure about his game, but that’s almost like Iverson speed.” He referred to Ivey going coast to coast as fast as Allen Iverson could do in his heyday. Candace Parker was impressed as well. The WNBA champion ranked him among the top three or five youngsters in the league right now.

Crawford’s opinion isn’t new. Back in December, when the Pistons were demoralized with the longest losing streak in the same season in history, there were abrupt claims that Ivey was the second coming of The Answer. Whoever prompted it, it was a raging debate. They didn’t see the parallels then but tonight, Ivey was giving strong AI vibes with his speed.

Ivey starred for Team Tamika led by former WNBA star and his mother, Niele’s teammate, Tamika Catchings. They started 9-0 against hometown star Bennedict Mathurin. While Jalen Duren was the dunk specialist for the team, Ivey was taking layups and making speedy drives to the rim which amazed Crawford.

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The exchange between Ivey and Mathurin got to social media users after the Pacers star told him, “You can’t guard me.” Little inaccurate as Ivey easily swatted the ball out of Mathurin’s hands. This little bit of friendly rivalry that’s been on since both were drafted back to back in 2022 will play out when Mathurin’s Pacers and Ivey’s Pistons face off on February 23 after the All-Star break.

It’s Jaden Ivey’s time to shine

This is Ivey’s second Rising Stars appearance and fans are wondering where is this power when it comes to the Pistons. But all of Ivey’s bravado couldn’t lead Team Tamika past the semifinals, losing 40-35 to Team Jalen, coached by Detroit native Jalen Rose.

Ivey finished with 8 points, 4 steals, and 3 rebounds shooting 4 for 7. It’s a slight setback for him as he was part of the winning team last year. Though he lost, he has left a lasting impression.

The Indiana native and Purdue alum sought to make this a thrilling homecoming game for the crowd and he achieved that. He’s had an average of 22.7 minutes per game recently and has yet to make an impact that matches his All-Rookie honors from last season. This presentation at the All-Star game has led Pistons fans to appeal that the team retain him for any chances of a revival. Do you think Ivey is earning those Allen Iverson comparisons this time?

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