Salt Lake City, Utah — In his first outing with the Utah Jazz, fifth overall NBA draft pick Ace Bailey demonstrated that contributions extend beyond scoring, much to the satisfaction of his coaches. The Jazz secured a narrow 93-89 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in their opening game at the Salt Lake City Summer League, where Bailey tallied eight points on 3-of-13 shooting.
While Bailey’s offensive performance was less than stellar when compared to the standout play of Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe, the focus for the Jazz was on the intangibles. Edgecombe, drafted third overall, led all scorers with 28 points, along with 10 rebounds and four assists. However, in a crucial moment late in the game, he missed a potential game-tying three-pointer, allowing Bailey to secure a defensive rebound that proved vital. With just seconds left, he converted one of two free throws, clinching the victory for his team.
Bailey, the 18-year-old former Rutgers star, faced some uncertainty leading up to his debut, including concerns about his commitment to joining the Jazz. Those doubts faded as he showed remarkable energy on defense, collecting seven rebounds in 25 minutes, many in contested situations. His ability to rise to challenges impressed head coach Will Hardy, who noted Bailey’s physical presence and dedication to team play.
The Jazz had initially planned to assist Bailey’s transition by bringing in Omar Cooper Jr., his advisor’s son, as an unpaid guest coach. However, the NBA’s league office intervened, leading to the cancellation of that arrangement. Still, Bailey’s enthusiasm for his new team has been palpable since arriving in Utah. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, emphasizing his eagerness to learn and grow within the organization.
Even when sidelined during the game’s critical moments, Bailey remained actively engaged, cheering on his teammates from the bench. His commitment to supporting others reflected a maturity that bodes well for his development in the league. Upon returning to the court, he made a key defensive play, solidifying the idea that he can impact the game in more ways than just scoring.
The Jazz drafted Bailey based on his impressive potential rather than his willingness to workout for them, believing he could become a standout player. Although he struggled with shot selection and did not find his offensive rhythm during the summer league opener, his coaches remain optimistic about his future performance. Scott Morrison, an assistant coach for the Jazz, emphasized the importance of this early experience, reminding everyone that summer league is less about results and more about player development.
The next two weeks will serve as a critical learning period for Bailey as he adjusts to the professional level. Coaches are focused on helping him acclimate to the demands of the NBA, which extend beyond just scoring, highlighting the importance of defending and contributing to team dynamics. As Bailey hones his skills and gains experience, the Jazz are hopeful that his scoring talent will emerge, adding another layer to an already promising young player.