DETROIT — When Jaden Ivey addressed local reporters Thursday, for the first time since breaking his left fibula against the Orlando Magic on Jan. 1, he was undoubtedly in good spirits. Ivey couldn’t contain his smile at times while answering questions and generally had an optimistic outlook on his recovery.

Pistons guard Jaden Ivey is out of a walking boot and has begun weight-bearing strengthening exercises, running progression activity and stationary shooting as he continues to recover from a leg injury he suffered in early January.

The Detroit Pistons are in solid form with less than a month to go in the NBA regular season. As the Eastern Conference stands now, the Pistons are the No. 6 seed and are on pace to miss the Play-In Tournament and make the playoffs outright.