Ace Bailey shines as Utah Jazz’s emerging star
The Utah Jazz have witnessed a promising emergence from their fifth-overall rookie, Ace Bailey, during the early weeks of the NBA season. Although Bailey’s debut was marred by illness and various challenges, it’s clear that as he gains more court time and experience, his performance has steadily improved.
Rising Stats and Impact
Over the course of 13 games, Bailey is putting up averages of 8.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in just over 20 minutes per game. However, when he steps into the starting role, those figures surge to nearly 14 points per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 51.9%. For a 19-year-old developing wing player, Bailey’s initial foray into the NBA has been notably successful.
Coach Hardy’s Praise
Jazz head coach Will Hardy has expressed his admiration for Bailey’s abilities and growth. Reflecting on his 16 years in the league, Hardy remarked, “Ace is a freak. He really is. He’s a fast learner and an incredible athlete. He has some innate feel and vision that are shocking.” Such comments highlight not only Bailey’s athleticism but also his capacity for growth and adaptation on the court. Hardy continued, “He does one thing a day where I turn to the staff and I’m like, ‘Yeah, that was pretty good. Like, wow.’”
Early Challenges and Resilience
Bailey’s standout qualities became apparent early in his rookie season, not just through his on-court performance but also in how he navigated the challenges that came his way. Just before the season opener, he fell ill, which sidelined him for a week. Hardy noted the difficult balance the team had to strike during that time, stating, “I feel like Ace has had a really good first segment of his career. He had some really great moments in preseason, and then he got sick. You never want to make anybody feel this way, but the team has to keep going.”
As Bailey finds his footing, it’s clear that both he and the Jazz are poised for exciting developments this season. With each game, the potential of this young talent continues to unfold, promising a bright future for the franchise.
