They're back for more Summer League action, so what do these young Utah Jazz stars have to show us?
Ace Bailey and Cody Williams are back representing the Utah Jazz in the NBA Summer League... more or less.
While it's true that these two youngsters still have a long way to go before they're finished products at the NBA level -- both players still struggle to flip the consistency switch to "on" before taking the floor -- their return to the Summer League is a bit of a mixed bag.
For starters, Cody Williams' return doesn't bode well for his current outlook with the team. No, playing in the Summer League is not the mark of death for a player with Williams' experience, but a third stint in the Summer League is usually an indicator that a player still has some growing to do -- development and growth that has yet to take through two seasons as a pro.
Ace Bailey showed serious flashes of brilliance during his rookie season, like a career-high of 37 points among other 30+ point outbreaks, but likewise could be a bit hot-and-cold as he found his footing in the NBA.
It's much more common for a sophomore to return to the Summer League, and I don't read as much into his place there.
We got a sneak peek into these players' respective developmental trajectories at the Salt Lake Summer League, so as we enter the Las Vegas leg, let's take a moment to absorb what we've learned in these players' first appearances.
Cody Williams is asserting himself
Finally, we're getting Cody Williams performances with some "oomph"!
17 points and 18 points in two games, with a smattering of rebounds and highlight plays. Williams kicked his output into gear in the second half of last season and lived above the rim. And while his three-point shooting has been good to this point, we'll keep a keen eye out for what he can do from distance in the upcoming
Ace Bailey's health could be an issue
Bailey played in just 20 minutes of game time during the Salt Lake stretch and rested for the last two games with back spasms. He's back in action in Las Vegas, but his health could be the story to watch as the Jazz measure the value of on-court chemistry with the risk of an injury setting Bailey's development back.
On the court, he was excellent, scoring 10 points on 50% splits, and putting his fingerprints all over the box score. But it's simply not worth the risk if Bailey's health could be compromised by playing in the Summer League. Rest up, keep supporting your teammates, and get ready for the regular season.
