SALT LAKE CITY — Ace Bailey’s Summer League Debut with the Utah Jazz

In the much-anticipated debut of No. 5 overall pick Ace Bailey in a Utah Jazz uniform, he showcased a commendable work ethic that overshadowed the limited glimpses of his scoring prowess. This performance, although not filled with high-scoring highlights, met with approval from his new coaching staff, who value hard work and dedication above all.

In the Jazz’s season opener of the Salt Lake City Summer League, Bailey amassed a modest eight points, shooting poorly at a clip of 3-of-13, as the Jazz narrowly clinched a victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, with a final score of 93-89. His performance paled in comparison to Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe, the third overall draft pick, who put on a show with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, making an impressive 13-of-27 from the floor.

A Defensive Standout

Despite being overshadowed by Edgecombe’s offensive fireworks, Bailey’s significant contributions were crucial. When the pressure peaked, and Edgecombe narrowly missed a 3-pointer that could have leveled the score, Bailey soared in to secure the defensive rebound in the game’s closing seconds. He solidified the Jazz’s hard-earned victory by sinking one of two critical free throws.

“Man, it was fantastic,” Bailey remarked, underlining his enthusiasm. “Winning adds to the experience. It truly was a fun time.” His standout highlight came when he leapt impressively above the rim to thwart a layup attempt, a moment that displayed his budding defensive capabilities.

Bailey’s Transition and Coaching Support

Considering some uncertainties surrounding Bailey’s commitment to join the Jazz shortly after the draft, his performance in this game was a promising sign that he is embracing this opportunity. Throughout his 25 minutes on the court, Bailey exhibited a commendable work ethic on both ends of the floor, securing seven rebounds, many of them amidst heavy traffic, showcasing his readiness to take on the challenges of professional basketball.

Head coach Will Hardy expressed his satisfaction with Bailey’s defensive efforts. “All those intangibles often don’t get the recognition they deserve,” he commented on Bailey’s willingness and ability to defend and rebound. “I firmly believe the offensive game will develop in time. He’s navigating a new system and forming connections with new teammates, and he’s been putting in hard work over the past several days in practice.” He further noted, “He possesses the physique and athleticism suitable for the NBA, and the feedback from coaches and teammates has been overwhelmingly favorable so far this week.”

Encouraging Developments and Support Revisions

In a bid to facilitate Bailey’s transition into the NBA, the Jazz initially planned for his advisor’s son, Omar Cooper Jr., to serve as an unpaid guest coach during the summer league. However, this plan was thwarted when concerns were raised by the league office, leading to a necessary revision of support strategies.

Bailey arrived in Utah over the weekend, expressing clear enthusiasm about joining the Jazz, stating he feels “blessed to be in this position.” The organization has expressed optimism regarding his work ethic throughout the summer league practices and individual workouts, marking him as a player to watch.

Mental Resilience and Engagement

Bailey’s ability to maintain mental engagement, even when sidelined for most of crunch time, speaks volumes about his dedication. Even while sitting out, he was actively cheering for his teammates, clearly invested in the game. Immediately upon re-entering the match, he made a vital defensive play by grabbing a crucial rebound.

Future Prospects and Offensive Development

Despite averaging an impressive 17.6 points per game during his single season at Rutgers, Bailey struggled to find his scoring rhythm in his summer league opener and appeared to force a few shots that were less than favorable. “It’s crucial for us to work on involving him more offensively,” suggested Scott Morrison, a Jazz assistant who is taking the helm as head coach during the Salt Lake City Summer League. “The beauty of summer league lies in the learning experience rather than merely focusing on outcomes,” he stated. “We aim for Bailey to study footage of this game tomorrow, as it serves as a critical foundation.” He highlighted the importance of integrating non-scoring attributes that dictate whether a player earns court time. Once Bailey establishes his ability to positively impact the game outside of scoring, the focus can shift to refining his shot selection.

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