Ace Bailey was maybe probably the most divisive participant within the 2025 NBA Draft.
Ace Bailey was the one American-based prospect who didn’t meet with any NBA group earlier than the draft. This moved him out of the highest three picks as initially anticipated.
Initially, it was reported that Bailey didn’t need to go to the Utah Jazz and wished the Washington Wizards to take him at No. 6, however the Jazz in the end chosen him at No. 5.
The Jazz really feel Bailey is well worth the danger, and if he hits close to his ceiling, he might find yourself wanting like a steal on draft day.
There’s nothing unsuitable with a rookie making a very good first impression on his new group.
Bailey acquired everybody speaking together with his spectacular efficiency in his preseason debut towards the Houston Rockets.
Bailey confirmed off his star high quality with 25 factors on 11-of-16 capturing, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Earlier than the sport, Jazz head coach Will Hardy talked about how he watched movie of Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum from the start of their careers to determine a roadmap for Bailey.
Durant and Tatum are at present two of the perfect forwards within the sport at this time.
“This summer time we had a number of gamers making an attempt to determine what their first few years within the league had been like and making an attempt to determine their path.
“I believe everyone knows what it’s like proper now with guys like Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, and it may be a distraction generally.
“So it was good for me to return and watch a number of that film and attempt to perceive what the start of that path was like.
“I believe there’s one thing to be gained. I believe it is understanding the kind of play and the best way to eat. Whenever you’re tremendous younger, you may not have a number of ISO, but it surely’s not like you haven’t any.
“However what can we do to make the ace’s life just a little bit simpler with out making the group centered across the ace? I believe one among my greatest focuses throughout camp, in the course of the preseason and early within the season is to not overreact to something that occurs to the ace, for higher or for worse.”
“I believe we have to notice that that is the start of his profession. He is a younger man and he is making an attempt to be taught and develop.
“Ace has proven an unimaginable skill to be taught. His power degree is contagious. I believe you noticed him capturing at this time and he is like that each one day, daily.”
“So I am excited to get him out, however there’s loads to be taught from how different gamers began their careers and what their roadmaps are.”
Every thing that made Bailey such a fantastic prospect at Rutgers was on full show towards Houston.
Bailey’s independence has been a revelation for a Jazz group that always struggles offensively.
Durant was impressed with Bailey’s play, calling him a “dynamic participant” after the sport.
“I believe he will be a hell of a participant. I really like the teaching workers that we now have with him and I really like that he was drafted by Utah.”
“We had a very good growth program there…I am anticipating a giant 12 months and a giant profession for him, and tonight he confirmed what he can do,” Durant mentioned.
All through his 31 minutes of ground time, Bailey was disruptive on protection and aggressive on offense. His shot choice was superb and most significantly, he seemed very snug with the ball in his arms.
It is nonetheless early, however the Jazz might have discovered one thing particular in Bailey.
