Overshadowed by high-profile teammates and new arrivals, the versatile sophomore forward possesses the elite shot-making gravity to transform Utah’s deep rotation into a legitimate Western Conference threat.
The Utah Jazz, rightfully so, are one of the most discussed teams entering the NBA season. This is going to be a completely new-look roster that will finally feature Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen alongside each other, along with an elevated backcourt featuring Darryn Peterson and Keyonte George.
There’s been plenty to talk about in Utah. Peterson enters the league as the No. 2 overall pick with enormous expectations. George recently signed an extension. The Walker Kessler trade changed the construction of the roster, and there’s already significant conversation around what the starting lineup will look like and how quickly this group can become a legitimate playoff team.
But one player who isn’t getting enough attention is Ace Bailey.
Bailey showed enough during his rookie season to make his Year 2 jump one of the most intriguing developments to watch on this roster. At 6-foot-9 with the ability to create and make difficult shots, there were stretches last season when Bailey looked like one of the most talented young players in the league. His role this season could initially be as a high-volume scorer off the bench, but his ceiling is much higher than simply being a bench weapon.
Based on the level of prospect Bailey was coming out of high school and college, he still possesses legitimate star upside. There are several teams around the NBA where a player with his pedigree would be viewed as a cornerstone of the rebuild or one of the two most important young players on the roster. In Utah, he simply happens to be surrounded by an unusually deep collection of established veterans and emerging young talent, while Peterson has naturally commanded much of the attention as the newest No. 2 overall pick.
Bailey may ultimately force his way back into that conversation once the season begins. If he takes a significant second-year leap, Utah’s upside extends well beyond its projected starting lineup or its new-look core four. The Jazz are already viewed as a potential surprise playoff team, and Bailey becoming another legitimate difference-maker would only raise that ceiling.
There’s plenty to be excited about in Utah. Peterson, George, Markkanen and Jackson Jr. will command most of the headlines entering the season. But Bailey shouldn’t be forgotten. By the end of the year, he could be one of the biggest reasons the Jazz take the step forward so many expect they well will.
