Ace Bailey following Jazz legend's footsteps only prove his glorious future

It's hard not to discuss Ace Bailey these days. Not just because of how historically well he's playing as a rookie, but there really isn't much else to discuss about the Utah Jazz if we're being honest. He's only kept the good times coming as the Jazz's tank is approaching its end.

Not only is Bailey breaking out, but he's putting up numbers similar to those of Jazz all-timer Darrel Griffith.

Griffith isn't remembered nearly as fondly as some of the other Jazz legends like Karl Malone, John Stockton, or even Adrian Dantley, but he still made a good enough mark to get his name retired by the Jazz when it was all said and done.

Griffith is the only player in Jazz history to win Rookie of the Year (something Bailey probably won't do). He never made an All-Star team, but he played a hand in helping Utah start its most dominant era of basketball in franchise history.

Also, because of how entertaining he was as a player, he was basically the first stand-out homegrown star in Utah who made himself stand out, thus bringing in more fans. Bailey likely won't follow in his footsteps for that reason.

Nah, he's meant for better things.

This is only more proof of the journey ahead for Bailey

Bailey has only continued to make more history as the Jazz have made him more of a focal point. Granted, next season, Bailey probably won't get the same opportunities as they will be divided between him, Lauri Markkanen, Keyonte George, and Jaren Jackson Jr., but he has only continued to show he has all the makings of a franchise player.

As time goes on, Utah will likely make him a bigger focus, as they won't be able to keep all of their guys long-term. However, he has proven in such a short time that he was the right guy when they picked him No. 5.

Next season will be more about him proving he can be a steady contributor on a potential contender, as the Jazz likely won't ask him to lead the way all that much with how much talent is in front of him. It's a good way for Bailey to prove that he can be impactful without too much pressure for him to be a star out of the gate.

It's a good way for him to develop in a winning culture while also letting him know that he has to prove himself. Luckily he's already proven that the talent is there, and with enough time, he could be one of the most iconic Jazzmen ever.

All these accolades in his rookie season only prove that they have something special on their hands.