The Jazz are barely scratching the surface with Ace Bailey—and the potential feels almost limitless. Sarah Todd, who covers the NBA and Utah Jazz for the Deseret News, sheds light on a rookie who keeps surprising everyone around him. This piece originally appeared in the Jazz Insiders newsletter, a Friday email briefing you can sign up for to get the latest in your inbox.
On a daily basis, Jazz head coach Will Hardy finds himself astonished by something Bailey does. After the initial shock wears off, he recognizes there’s another dimension to Bailey’s game that fans haven’t even seen yet.
“It’s like, hmm, I didn’t know that was an option for us,” Hardy says, mixing wonder with excitement.
A rookie season is inherently a journey of discovery—uncovering all the facets of a player’s toolkit. Yet Utah senses a rare reservoir of potential in Bailey.
Bailey joined the Jazz after one college season at Rutgers, a period in which he typically stood out as one of the best players on the floor. Historically, that status often meant the ball was in his hands, and the focus was on creating scoring opportunities for himself because he was the premier scorer.
So there’s no doubt about his shooting and self-created offense. What’s evolving is Bailey’s defensive growth and the realization that his offensive game is more versatile than anyone expected.
Hall-of-fame forward Kevin Love, an 18-year veteran, puts it plainly: Bailey’s talent runs deep, and he hasn’t even begun to scratch the surface. “There are so many things he does out there that you just say, ‘Wow,’” Love notes. “You can see why he was highly regarded as an 18-year-old. His playmaking and passing come naturally. If he keeps studying film and putting in the gym work, you’ll see more and more.”
There’s a common early-career label for ball-dominant scorers—that they’re all offense and no off-ball impact. Bailey’s reputation seemed to fit that mold before he reached the NBA. People assumed he wouldn’t be a willing passer or effective off the ball and would force ill-advised shots when touched.
That impression couldn’t be farther from the truth. Bailey’s transition to a team that emphasizes off-ball movement and smart passing has been smooth and productive.
“We have to stay humble enough to recognize context in every situation,” Hardy explains. “The organization was very high on Ace in the draft, and when he arrived, our excitement was real. But we also needed to examine what he’s capable of right now and where he could go in the future. You have to explore those possibilities.”
New with the Jazz
From the archives
Extra points
- Lauri Markkanen leads a fourth-quarter comeback in a Jazz win over the Nets. (Deseret News)
- Why aren’t signs allowed at the Delta Center anymore? (Deseret News)
- Frank Layden’s legacy of joy and humor lives on. (Deseret News)
Around the league
- Chris Paul is reportedly being sent home by the Clippers for the season.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss 2–4 weeks with a calf strain.
- LeBron James’ double-digit scoring streak ended, a notable milestone after more than 18 years.
Up next
- Dec. 5 | 5:30 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz at New York Knicks | KJZZ
- Dec. 7 | 6 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | KJZZ
- Dec. 12 | 6 p.m. MST | Utah Jazz at Memphis Grizzlies | KJZZ
This overview highlights a player who could redefine the Jazz’s ceiling. Bailey’s growth—particularly on defense and his off-ball offense—could shift how Utah builds around him. The question remains: how far will this emerging synergy take the Jazz, and what does Bailey’s evolution mean for future draft picks and roster decisions? Share your thoughts below: Do you see Bailey becoming a cornerstone piece, or will his development take a different path as the season unfolds?
