The NBA world reacted quickly when Jaden Ivey did not take the floor during the Chicago Bulls’ 110-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, raising questions and fueling speculation after the talented 24-year-old guard registered the first DNP-CD of his young career.

Although describing the reaction as the league “erupting” may be a touch dramatic, Ivey’s absence was undeniably notable given his recent trade arrival, high upside, and the expectations surrounding him as a player Chicago hoped to rejuvenate after acquiring him.

Ivey was not listed on the injury report prior to tipoff, making the coaching decision even more surprising as the Bulls opted to keep him available but unused, leaving many fans wondering what had changed behind the scenes.

Throughout the game, Ivey remained on the bench wearing warmups and a knee wrap at times, never checking in and showing no signs of preparing for an appearance, which hinted that he had been informed beforehand about his expected role for the night.

Following the loss, interim head coach Wes Unseld Jr. addressed the decision, explaining that he communicated his rotational plan before the game, signaling that Ivey’s benching was strategic rather than a sudden in-game adjustment.

Unseld Jr. clarified that Ivey had been made aware of the plan in advance, which may explain the guard’s calm demeanor during the game despite his unprecedented DNP designation.

After Unseld Jr. spoke, Ivey met with media in the locker room and acknowledged that it was indeed the first DNP of his NBA career, delivering a candid and emotionally heavy reflection that startled reporters and fans alike.

In a moment of vulnerability, Ivey stated, “I’m not the same player I used to be. I’m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead,” offering a raw glimpse into his frustration, self-doubt, and the mental burden he has carried.

His words struck a nerve across the league, painting the picture of a young player trying to rediscover his identity after a difficult stretch filled with injuries, setbacks, and diminished expectations since his explosive early seasons.

Ivey’s struggles have been well-documented, starting with a tibia fracture in 2025 and followed by knee surgery during the offseason, both of which derailed the momentum he built before his 2024–25 season abruptly ended.

Before the injuries, Ivey averaged 17.6 points and 4.0 assists per game, showcasing the elite athleticism, burst, and scoring instincts that made him one of the most promising guards in the Eastern Conference.

But this season has been vastly different, as his averages have dropped to just 8.5 points and 1.8 assists per game — a reflection of both reduced opportunities and the physical limitations lingering from his injuries.

Ivey began the current season sidelined before returning in late November, eventually sliding into a reserve role as the Bulls attempted to manage his minutes and gradually rebuild his rhythm.

When he was traded to Chicago at the deadline, many assumed the change of scenery and expanded opportunity would reignite his development, especially moving from the East’s top-ranked team to the Bulls, who currently sit 11th.

Ivey’s role did initially expand, as he started three of his first four games with the Bulls, giving fans hope that he could carve out a larger role and build a fresh foundation in his new environment.

However, the optimism faded quickly after the All-Star break when he received the unexpected DNP-CD, raising immediate questions about his fit, his physical condition, and the coaching staff’s trust in him moving forward.

The situation intensified the following day when Bulls head coach Billy Donovan offered his perspective, revealing insight that added a new layer to the concern surrounding Ivey’s availability and performance.

Donovan shared that Ivey was indeed available to play, confirming that the knee did not medically prevent him from appearing in the game, but suggesting other factors influenced the decision.

Donovan stated, “I don’t think he’s played to the level I think he’s capable of playing at, or has played at,” expressing a belief that Ivey’s recent play has fallen short of his prior standards.

The coach added, “In my opinion, he’s not moving like he once did,” subtly pointing toward ongoing physical limitations that may still be affecting Ivey’s speed, explosiveness, and decision-making on the court.

Donovan then revealed that Ivey reported discomfort in his left knee, which led to him skipping Friday’s practice to undergo evaluation — a development that immediately raised fears of potential reinjury or lingering structural issues.

While the severity of the knee discomfort remains unclear, the revelation deepened concerns that physical setbacks continue to disrupt Ivey’s ability to return to his peak athletic form.

Combined with his emotionally charged comments regarding his identity as a player, the situation paints the portrait of a young guard caught between physical recovery and the mental toll of performance expectations.

Though Donovan attempted to downplay the importance of the DNP-CD, noting that Chicago’s roster has undergone significant changes and rotation management requires flexibility, the underlying issues remain difficult to ignore.

Donovan emphasized that with the Bulls’ roster still settling after multiple trade deadline moves, rotational decisions may vary nightly, and another guard could easily be the one sitting out on a different evening.

This statement was likely intended to ease speculation about Ivey’s long-term role, though it did little to quell concern given his recent production decline and the coach’s admission about diminished movement.

At this stage, the most important takeaway is not Ivey’s benching but his ongoing knee issues, which appear to be the central concern limiting both his performance and his availability.

His trademark explosiveness — once one of his most defining attributes — has visibly regressed, and without that burst, his ability to attack, create separation, and pressure defenses diminishes significantly.

If his athleticism fails to return fully, whether due to lingering injury or deeper structural problems, the long-term implications for his career become significantly more troubling than a single DNP-CD.

For a player whose game relies heavily on speed, verticality, and aggression, even small reductions in physical capability can translate into major drops in production and confidence.

There remains hope, however, as Ivey is still young and has time to rebuild strength, confidence, and explosiveness through careful rehab, load management, and gradual reintegration into the Bulls’ system.

Chicago’s medical and performance staff will play a crucial role in determining whether he can reclaim the athletic identity that once made him one of the most feared downhill guards in his draft class.

For now, the Bulls must approach Ivey’s development with patience, emphasizing long-term recovery and sustainable improvement rather than rushing him into heavy minutes before his body is ready.

His talent remains intact, but translating that talent into production depends on stability — physically, mentally, and within the team structure.

While the reaction to Ivey’s first career DNP-CD may be amplified by timing and emotion, it is premature to draw sweeping conclusions until a clearer picture emerges regarding the health of his left knee.

If Ivey regains his movement patterns, speed, and confidence, this moment may eventually be remembered as a temporary low point in a longer comeback story.