Ace Bailey’s Summer League Performance
The recent performances of Ace Bailey, the fifth overall selection in the draft, during the Salt Lake City Summer League offered a mixed bag due to limited playing time. A hip injury sidelined him during the Las Vegas games, but he managed to participate in only two matchups. After a challenging first outing, he demonstrated notable improvement in his subsequent game, finishing with 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, accompanied by successful three-point attempts, as highlighted in a source on Twitter by the NBA.
Looking Ahead to the 2025-2026 Season
Looking forward to the 2025-2026 season, the Utah Jazz is expected to rely heavily on Bailey as they navigate the difficulties of a rebuilding phase. Coach Will Hardy discussed Bailey’s path to success, emphasizing the importance of establishing a consistent routine. In an interview with Salt Lake Tribune’s Andy Larson, Hardy mentioned:
“For Ace, first and foremost, it’s going to be about building a routine. The NBA is a lot. The number of appearances is far more than he used to. That’s practice, shootaround, games, but it’s going to be about sort of him finding his routine, because I think the routine saves you during the season; you don’t have to think that much.”
Influence of Veteran Players
This initial phase of Bailey’s career will be positively influenced by the presence of veteran players on the Jazz roster, including Georges Niang, Kyle Anderson, and Lauri Markkanen. Observing how established professionals approach both the physical and mental demands of an NBA season will undoubtedly aid in his development.
Coach Hardy’s Optimism
Coach Hardy expressed optimism about Bailey’s evolution during the Summer League, citing his activity level and ability to cut effectively, along with his aptitude for navigating off-ball screens. Moreover, as he continues to strengthen his physique, Bailey will need to leverage his length defensively, which is currently considered one of his key assets.
Future Prospects
As the Jazz aim to identify a cornerstone player for future success, Bailey’s performance this season will attract considerable attention. While the team’s veterans are potential trade assets, the focus remains on the young talent and the potential for growth, with fans eagerly anticipating what Bailey will bring to the court as he endeavors to prove himself as a franchise player.
