Ace Bailey Emerges as Key Star for Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz strategically aimed for a top-5 pick during last season, successfully achieving their goal. This effort culminated in the selection of Ace Bailey in the draft. While the approach was atypical, the outcome marks a significant addition to the team.

Ace Bailey: Rising Star for the Utah Jazz

Bailey, who was initially viewed as a project due to several concerns about his skill set, has quickly begun to dispel those doubts. His scouting report included claims of being uncoachable and a ball hog, but recent performances contradict these assertions.

Early Performance and Adjustments

Bailey faced challenges early in his rookie season, particularly due to a minute restriction while recovering from an illness. In his initial eight games, he shot 40% from the field and only 13% from three-point range. However, he has significantly improved in his most recent outings.

• Last four games: 52% field goal percentage
• Last four games: 45% three-point percentage

These improvements coincided with his transition into a starting role, which has allowed him to showcase his skills more effectively.

Role in the Offense

Coach Will Hardy has crafted Bailey’s playing style to fit the team’s needs. Rather than forcing complex plays, Hardy has utilized Bailey’s strengths by allowing him to take catch-and-shoot opportunities and make cuts toward the basket. Bailey’s shooting form has been impressive, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring.

Rebounding and Playmaking

In addition to his scoring abilities, Bailey is excelling in rebounding, particularly offensive boards. His size and athleticism complement the Jazz’s offense, making him a valuable asset on the court.

• Average rebounds per game: Strong performance particularly in offensive rebounding
• Assists per game: 2.3, demonstrating an ability to pass effectively

Despite earlier concerns about his play style, Bailey has embraced his role as a passer, helping to facilitate offensive flow when on the floor.

Future Potential

Currently, Bailey ranks sixth on the Jazz in usage percentage at 18.8%. This demonstrates his growing involvement in the team’s plays as he averages 27.5 minutes per game. For comparison, Lauri Markkanen, a key player for the Jazz, averages 2.1 assists and has a higher usage percentage.

The development of Bailey’s skills presents exciting prospects for the Jazz. If he sharpens his ball-handling and starts driving to the basket more consistently, his impact could be significant. The Jazz and its fans are fortunate to witness Bailey’s evolution as a player, prompting thoughts of future draft strategies to continue building a competitive team.