Jaden Ivey reveals the ‘old JI is dead’ due to injury issues

Trade of Jaden Ivey from the Detroit Pistons to the Chicago Bulls it should have given him a fresh start and new opportunities, but after just five games he was already out of the rotation.

Bulls running back Jaden Ivey’s comments following his first career DNP have raised concerns about his health and future. His absence came during Thursday’s 110-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, the team’s seventh straight loss.

An opening about his absenceIvey was candid about the struggles he faces both physically and mentally.

“I’ve been dealing with knee inflammation in my knee. I’m sure people can tell that — I’m not the same player I was. That’s why. I’m not the JI I was. The old JI is dead. I’m alive in Christ no matter what the basketball environment is. … no matter how many DNPs there are, how many DNPs there are, it’s a temporary result thing.

Acting head coach Wes Unseld addressed the reasons behind Jaden Ivey’s surprising DNP after the game.

Unsold described the choice as a “basketball decision,” according to Joel Lorenzi.

“It’s really hard to play with six backs,” he added, noting that the team’s recent roster changes have made the rotation tighter.

When asked if Ivey’s upcoming restricted free agency factored into the decision, Unseld chose not to comment.

“That conversation is probably above my pay grade,” he said.

Ivey missed Thursday night’s game, but took it in stride. He recognized his physical limits without justification, looked back on the situation through faith and emphasized that he would be ready when the opportunity presented itself.

Now the Bulls must determine when that opportunity will come. Unseld said the bigger decisions aren’t up to him, leaving it up to the front office to make sure Ivey’s role fits his value and rebuilding the team.

Evey acknowledged reality NBA and his roster spot, explaining his perspective on the suspension.

“Going into it, you have to look at who’s on the roster. … to change, that’s what happens in the NBA.”

Uploaded after the game by Jaden Ivey, who thinks tonight was his first career overturn. He said that this does not change his character and that he is here to “do his job, glorify God.” Asked if he thinks it’s possible, he says: “Going into it, you have to look at who’s on the roster. … pic.twitter.com/nz8BfC3PIi

— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) February 20, 2026

In 37 games this season with Detroit and Chicago, Ivey is averaging 8.5 points in 18.1 minutes per game. In four games with the Bulls, he averaged 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 28.8 minutes.

The loss dropped Chicago to 24-32, leaving them in 12th place in the Eastern Conference. Toronto improved to 33-23, led by Brandon Ingram who scored 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists.