Jaden Ivey, Jalen Smith Out For The Year — Here's Why All Eyes Turn To Karnisovas

Both players were announced as sidelined for the remainder of the 2025-26 campaign due to injuries. Ivey has been dealing with knee soreness and hasn't been the same explosive player since suffering a broken left fibula and subsequent knee surgery, while Smith's injury appears to be more precautionary to protect a future investment.

Ivey averaged over 16 points per game in his first three seasons with Detroit before being derailed by a broken left fibula, followed by knee surgery prior to the start of the 2025-26 campaign. He's only 24 years old but hasn't looked like the same explosive, downhill force since his injuries.

Ivey will be a restricted free agent this summer, and while Karnisovas' history suggests he might extend the guard despite red flags, the smart move would be to cut ties citing unavoidable injury deterioration. The trade deadline acquisition has become a horror story and unfortunate whiff of a deal.

At 26 years old, Smith is a proven stretch-five threat who can start at center or come off the bench, providing stable offensive production and solid rim protection. He's demonstrated the ability to play alongside an inside center in a two-big system, and his timeline fits well with Matas Buzelis and Josh Giddey.

Both players will miss the final ten games of the season, which are largely considered meaningless in the long haul. However, both injuries carry more significance as the team pivots to continue their rebuild project this summer.