Ace Bailey’s Rookie Ladder Drop Stuns Jazz Fans
The NBA rookie landscape has shifted dramatically, and Utah Jazz fans are feeling the ripple effects. Ace Bailey, the fifth-overall pick in this year’s draft, has seen his standing slip on the official NBA Rookie Ladder. According to the latest rankings from Steve Aschburner on NBA.com, Bailey has dropped from seventh to ninth among his rookie peers, as Dallas Mavericks’ standout Cooper Flagg has surged to the top of the list.
Bailey’s Transition to Starter
The early part of Bailey’s season was marked by a struggle to find his footing. Coming off the bench for his first nine games, he managed to average just 5.9 points on 6.5 field-goal attempts, posting a shooting percentage of 33.9%, including a dismal 22.1% from three-point range. However, a shift to the starting lineup has proven transformative for the young player.
Over the past 14 games as a starter, Bailey’s performance has improved significantly. He has increased his scoring output to 13.1 points per game on 10.5 shots while boosting his shooting efficiency to an impressive 49%, including 40% from beyond the arc. This transition has also positively impacted his plus/minus rating, which improved from a troubling -10.9 to a more respectable -1.7.
Rising Stars Overtake Bailey
Despite Bailey’s progress, he finds himself overshadowed by two other rookies who have made notable strides. His former Rutgers teammate, Dylan Harper, who was selected second overall, and undrafted Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard have both leapfrogged over him in the rankings. This development is particularly striking given that the Mavericks now boast two players in the top ten.
While Bailey’s efficiency on offense could use improvement, the flashes of potential he has displayed offer a glimmer of hope for Jazz fans. As he continues to adapt to the rigors of the professional game, there is optimism surrounding his growth and the positive traits he has shown in his initial performances.
Looking Ahead
With the rookie ladder rankings serving as a barometer of progress, Bailey’s journey is just beginning. As he works to refine his game and increase his contributions on the court, the Jazz organization and its supporters are eager to see how he responds to the challenges ahead. The season is still young, and the opportunity for Bailey to climb back up the ladder remains very much alive.
