{"id":154672,"date":"2026-02-21T06:59:25","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T06:59:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=154672"},"modified":"2026-02-21T06:59:42","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T06:59:42","slug":"%f0%9f%94%a5-report-shockwaves-rip-through-the-central-as-billy-donovan-drops-a-troubling-update-following-the-sudden-dnp-of-jaden-ivey-sending-fans-into-full-panic-mode-insiders-across-major-plat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=154672","title":{"rendered":"\ud83d\udd25 REPORT | SHOCKWAVES RIP THROUGH THE CENTRAL AS Billy Donovan DROPS A TROUBLING UPDATE FOLLOWING THE SUDDEN DNP OF Jaden Ivey, SENDING FANS INTO FULL PANIC MODE. Insiders across major platforms are scrambling as the tone of his message hints at deeper issues beneath the surface. Social feeds explode as speculation erupts over what this development could mean for both the rotation and the locker-room pulse..ll \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"598\" data-end=\"934\"><strong data-start=\"598\" data-end=\"934\">The NBA world reacted quickly when <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Jaden Ivey<\/span><\/span> did not take the floor during the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Chicago Bulls<\/span><\/span>\u2019 110-101 loss to the <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Toronto Raptors<\/span><\/span>, raising questions and fueling speculation after the talented 24-year-old guard registered the first DNP-CD of his young career.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"936\" data-end=\"1201\">Although describing the reaction as the league \u201cerupting\u201d may be a touch dramatic, Ivey\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1431\"><strong data-start=\"1203\" data-end=\"1431\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1433\" data-end=\"1684\">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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1922\"><strong data-start=\"1686\" data-end=\"1922\">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\u2019s benching was strategic rather than a sudden in-game adjustment.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1924\" data-end=\"2101\">Unseld Jr. clarified that Ivey had been made aware of the plan in advance, which may explain the guard\u2019s calm demeanor during the game despite his unprecedented DNP designation.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"2103\" data-end=\"2106\" \/>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-1\/yL7Viy4YvSy5a1My2HBP02_inBEUSqSFVLEOc4vtt8R8_6yeMsEPpdwjpnwc-T3Cw6AtzygcYzAwKcs5VYIdsXl8EnX2vj9G1qmmxT6YfKAN-Ds2yAA4fVVgPVhep7sH5oohIJydedsZT93jMOgOyw\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.freep.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2025\/01\/02\/PDTF\/77390567007-010125-pistons-1-h-13.jpg?auto=webp&amp;crop=4700%2C2645%2Cx0%2Cy0&amp;format=pjpg&amp;height=1801&amp;width=3200\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.axios.com\/PsytPqqgcSpZgZWpqRJpaTc9vFw%3D\/1440x1080\/smart\/2023\/11\/02\/1698948346424.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.axios.com\/PsytPqqgcSpZgZWpqRJpaTc9vFw%3D\/1440x1080\/smart\/2023\/11\/02\/1698948346424.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2378\"><strong data-start=\"2150\" data-end=\"2378\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2612\">In a moment of vulnerability, Ivey stated, \u201cI\u2019m not the same player I used to be. I\u2019m not the J.I. I used to be. The old J.I. is dead,\u201d offering a raw glimpse into his frustration, self-doubt, and the mental burden he has carried.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2855\"><strong data-start=\"2614\" data-end=\"2855\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"2857\" data-end=\"3079\">Ivey\u2019s 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\u201325 season abruptly ended.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3294\"><strong data-start=\"3081\" data-end=\"3294\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3296\" data-end=\"3516\">But this season has been vastly different, as his averages have dropped to just 8.5 points and 1.8 assists per game \u2014 a reflection of both reduced opportunities and the physical limitations lingering from his injuries.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"3518\" data-end=\"3521\" \/>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nba.com\/teams\/legacy\/www.nba.com\/bulls\/sites\/bulls\/files\/legacy\/main_photo\/facility_640_121116.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/cdn.nba.com\/teams\/legacy\/www.nba.com\/bulls\/sites\/bulls\/files\/legacy\/main_photo\/facility_640_121116.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-1\/f-zO5xuKkDikp7-Z-PDSkv6-hGZPrvHoBSOWCQXuFeeOjqdf9hHZwY54gu1lkqIHRdRr2BgS8vU8z1KNweW2bbCnlkqPRuB74PGFOZ5Z0zcwxdrOLinmWoSowCD0nrMXWaPdEtuC5hQvQVAhCeZqfg\" alt=\"https:\/\/www.freep.com\/gcdn\/authoring\/authoring-images\/2026\/02\/06\/PDTF\/88541266007-usatsi-28167130.jpg?crop=1934%2C2579%2Cx967%2Cy0\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3761\"><strong data-start=\"3565\" data-end=\"3761\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3763\" data-end=\"3991\">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\u2019s top-ranked team to the Bulls, who currently sit 11th.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4198\"><strong data-start=\"3993\" data-end=\"4198\">Ivey\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4200\" data-end=\"4423\">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\u2019s trust in him moving forward.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4425\" data-end=\"4662\"><strong data-start=\"4425\" data-end=\"4662\">The situation intensified the following day when Bulls head coach <span class=\"hover:entity-accent entity-underline inline cursor-pointer align-baseline\"><span class=\"whitespace-normal\">Billy Donovan<\/span><\/span> offered his perspective, revealing insight that added a new layer to the concern surrounding Ivey\u2019s availability and performance.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4664\" data-end=\"4857\">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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"4859\" data-end=\"4862\" \/>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/0QFmCqWtdvI-tKIJ0gp3WZV_VBKXz6DsaPDxf_g92yxF6D7HTuccONoXdhaNZpl3EjuT6Fa80TDxgvenaLQ9esfoWBHt1R6CI1dZJFWY2WA?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-3\/0QFmCqWtdvI-tKIJ0gp3WZV_VBKXz6DsaPDxf_g92yxF6D7HTuccONoXdhaNZpl3EjuT6Fa80TDxgvenaLQ9esfoWBHt1R6CI1dZJFWY2WA?purpose=fullsize&amp;v=1\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.com\/www.thealpenanews.com\/images\/2025\/10\/16173003\/AP25273135874529-560x840.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/ogden_images.s3.amazonaws.com\/www.thealpenanews.com\/images\/2025\/10\/16173003\/AP25273135874529-560x840.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"4906\" data-end=\"5105\"><strong data-start=\"4906\" data-end=\"5105\">Donovan stated, \u201cI don\u2019t think he\u2019s played to the level I think he\u2019s capable of playing at, or has played at,\u201d expressing a belief that Ivey\u2019s recent play has fallen short of his prior standards.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5107\" data-end=\"5319\">The coach added, \u201cIn my opinion, he\u2019s not moving like he once did,\u201d subtly pointing toward ongoing physical limitations that may still be affecting Ivey\u2019s speed, explosiveness, and decision-making on the court.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5560\"><strong data-start=\"5321\" data-end=\"5560\">Donovan then revealed that Ivey reported discomfort in his left knee, which led to him skipping Friday\u2019s practice to undergo evaluation \u2014 a development that immediately raised fears of potential reinjury or lingering structural issues.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5562\" data-end=\"5750\">While the severity of the knee discomfort remains unclear, the revelation deepened concerns that physical setbacks continue to disrupt Ivey\u2019s ability to return to his peak athletic form.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5752\" data-end=\"5971\"><strong data-start=\"5752\" data-end=\"5971\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"5973\" data-end=\"6200\">Though Donovan attempted to downplay the importance of the DNP-CD, noting that Chicago\u2019s roster has undergone significant changes and rotation management requires flexibility, the underlying issues remain difficult to ignore.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"6202\" data-end=\"6205\" \/>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.nba.com\/teams\/uploads\/sites\/1610612741\/2025\/10\/251010_SamSmith_BenchReaction_16x9.jpg?im=Resize%3D%28640%29\" alt=\"https:\/\/cdn.nba.com\/teams\/uploads\/sites\/1610612741\/2025\/10\/251010_SamSmith_BenchReaction_16x9.jpg?im=Resize%3D%28640%29\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_fill%2Cw_1200%2Car_4%3A3%2Cf_auto%2Cq_auto%2Cg_auto\/shape\/cover\/sport\/Jaden-Ivey-0d8b6eb956e7e8cb222cab44796a3d2e.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/images2.minutemediacdn.com\/image\/upload\/c_fill%2Cw_1200%2Car_4%3A3%2Cf_auto%2Cq_auto%2Cg_auto\/shape\/cover\/sport\/Jaden-Ivey-0d8b6eb956e7e8cb222cab44796a3d2e.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"6249\" data-end=\"6468\"><strong data-start=\"6249\" data-end=\"6468\">Donovan emphasized that with the Bulls\u2019 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6470\" data-end=\"6682\">This statement was likely intended to ease speculation about Ivey\u2019s long-term role, though it did little to quell concern given his recent production decline and the coach\u2019s admission about diminished movement.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6684\" data-end=\"6873\"><strong data-start=\"6684\" data-end=\"6873\">At this stage, the most important takeaway is not Ivey\u2019s benching but his ongoing knee issues, which appear to be the central concern limiting both his performance and his availability.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"6875\" data-end=\"7086\">His trademark explosiveness \u2014 once one of his most defining attributes \u2014 has visibly regressed, and without that burst, his ability to attack, create separation, and pressure defenses diminishes significantly.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7088\" data-end=\"7296\"><strong data-start=\"7088\" data-end=\"7296\">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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7298\" data-end=\"7483\">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.<\/p>\n<hr data-start=\"7485\" data-end=\"7488\" \/>\n<div class=\"no-scrollbar flex min-h-36 flex-nowrap gap-0.5 overflow-auto sm:gap-1 sm:overflow-hidden xl:min-h-44 mt-1 mb-5 [&amp;:not(:first-child)]:mt-4\">\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-s-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1123%2Fr1579398_1024x576_16-9.jpg\" alt=\"https:\/\/a2.espncdn.com\/combiner\/i?img=%2Fphoto%2F2025%2F1123%2Fr1579398_1024x576_16-9.jpg\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"border-token-border-default relative w-32 shrink-0 overflow-hidden rounded-xl border-[0.5px] md:shrink max-h-64 sm:w-[calc((100%-0.5rem)\/3)] rounded-e-xl\">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"bg-token-main-surface-tertiary m-0 h-full w-full object-cover\" src=\"https:\/\/images.openai.com\/static-rsc-1\/qiTgK1GFm_eRarcgGkMaeueKyXNW7IRPIUODVzfSOof5NiEr8R_4v5LsxEUI45NryfpisCDZtYNqGOJnfgAkgB6_HPj-goclyvAUikFWV6f7E2ryWcF2QgndIaDTgJBbC1BdZ2uW4dEtOHQNx0Mh_g\" alt=\"https:\/\/images.squarespace-cdn.com\/content\/v1\/5e1c9678b75a570f5fd57d69\/1652066269800-IKX7MYMP1L197P5PVU2F\/jaden%2Bivey.png\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p data-start=\"7532\" data-end=\"7741\"><strong data-start=\"7532\" data-end=\"7741\">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\u2019 system.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7743\" data-end=\"7947\">Chicago\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"7949\" data-end=\"8147\"><strong data-start=\"7949\" data-end=\"8147\">For now, the Bulls must approach Ivey\u2019s development with patience, emphasizing long-term recovery and sustainable improvement rather than rushing him into heavy minutes before his body is ready.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8149\" data-end=\"8297\">His talent remains intact, but translating that talent into production depends on stability \u2014 physically, mentally, and within the team structure.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8299\" data-end=\"8507\"><strong data-start=\"8299\" data-end=\"8507\">While the reaction to Ivey\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"8509\" data-end=\"8666\">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.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The NBA world reacted quickly when Jaden Ivey did not take the floor during the Chicago Bulls\u2019 110-101 loss to the Toronto Raptors, raising questions and fueling&#8230; <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":154673,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-154672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v23.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>\ud83d\udd25 REPORT | SHOCKWAVES RIP THROUGH THE CENTRAL AS Billy Donovan DROPS A TROUBLING UPDATE FOLLOWING THE SUDDEN DNP OF Jaden Ivey, SENDING FANS INTO FULL PANIC MODE. Insiders across major platforms are scrambling as the tone of his message hints at deeper issues beneath the surface. Social feeds explode as speculation erupts over what this development could mean for both the rotation and the locker-room pulse..ll \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47 - NEWS USA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=154672\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"\ud83d\udd25 REPORT | SHOCKWAVES RIP THROUGH THE CENTRAL AS Billy Donovan DROPS A TROUBLING UPDATE FOLLOWING THE SUDDEN DNP OF Jaden Ivey, SENDING FANS INTO FULL PANIC MODE. Insiders across major platforms are scrambling as the tone of his message hints at deeper issues beneath the surface. 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Insiders across major platforms are scrambling as the tone of his message hints at deeper issues beneath the surface. 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