Following an exciting Summer League performance, many were looking forward to seeing what Ace Bailey would do in his preseason debut. Well, when the Utah Jazz took on the Houston Rockets, the prized rookie did not disappoint.
In 31 minutes of action, he put up 25 points, six rebounds, and three assists while shooting 11-for-16 while hitting two three-pointers. Many say not to look at the box score to truly evaluate a player's performance. Well, that wasn't the case this time, as he looked even more exciting than the box score will have you believe.
There was plenty to take away from Bailey's performance against the Rockets.
1. His confidence is sky-high
Many knew this going in, but man, Bailey does not hesitate when he's got the chance to shoot. Honestly, not only is this a good thing, but it's a fresh change of pace to see a Jazz rookie have this much confidence from the get-go when they saw anything but that from Cody Williams last year.
His iso abilities were very much on display against the Rockets, and it was a marvel to see a Jazz wing make the moves he can.
This is where Ace Bailey is at his best, making quick decisions off the catch
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) October 9, 2025
2 dribbles to the turnaround jumper, so hard to guard pic.twitter.com/C7MOg94o3R
2. There will definitely be growing pains
Don't worry. This is the only issue with his performance, and it really has to do with the growing process more than anything else. Because of his confidence, Bailey is going to take some ill-advised shots. He definitely took a few, and only missed a few.
Nights like tonight against the Rockets don't highlight the warts to his game much, but fans should rightfully expect that there will be some games where the shot won't fall, as is the case with most rookies. That wasn't on display tonight, but it will be.
3. He was not a ball-stopper (far from it)
While Bailey had already proven his scoring abilities, many believed that he was a black hole on offense. Against the Rockets, he showed that he is absolutely capable of making the right play when it presents itself.
Everything you were told about Ace Bailey at Rutgers was a lie. pic.twitter.com/bdTW1Mppo7
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) October 9, 2025
Imagine what that will be like when he's got Lauri Markkanen or Walker Kessler rolling to the basket. Anyway, Bailey showed that he can definitely make the right pass. As he establishes himself as a dominant scorer like he did against Houston, opponents will dare him to beat them with his playmaking. Showing from the start that he can do just that is an excellent sign.
4. The Jazz will run a lot through him
Bailey is an enormously talented prospect. That's why the Jazz rolled the dice picking him at the draft. More than that, they will definitely want to see the full extent of his abilities by feeding him the rock over and over again.
With great confidence comes great responsibility, as the famous quote somewhat goes. Because Bailey believes he is a star, and he played like it, Utah will run plenty of plays through him. With someone like him, that is probably the best way to develop someone like him.
In a season with absolutely no expectations, Utah should expect to throw Bailey to the wolves and have him running the pack by the end of the calendar year!