While the Utah Jazz continue their winless streak this preseason, falling in their third game to the Dallas Mavericks, the greater concern was the loss of Ace Bailey for the night after only 11 minutes, which opens up a lot of questions about his availability moving forward.
While the Jazz don't think Bailey will miss much time, this has to concern fans if Ace is already getting worn down and there are still 82 games to go.
With veteran wings Georges Niang and Kyle Anderson also out due to injury, the last preseason game stands as an audition of sorts for several Jazzmen to prove their value, and perhaps steal some valuable minutes until everyone is healthy again.
3 Jazzmen who could step up in Bailey's absence
Second-year wing Cody Williams, who has several things going for him in getting an increased role - he's young and needs time and reps to develop, something that looked in doubt with Bailey set to play a big role in 2025-26.
Williams has been a mixed bag this preseason. He had a good showing against San Antonio, with 12 points, four rebounds, and two assists over 26 minutes. More importantly, he was a plus-23 on the night, the best on the team.
In the other two outings, he has been a combined 6-19 from the floor. That simply can't continue if Williams wants to see significant minutes. His defense, while serviceable, needs to be better as well.
Additionally, Brice Sensabaugh should see extended minutes in Bailey's absence. He has had a great preseason thus far, averaging 22 points per game, on 55% shooting from the floor, and 44% from deep, in 24 minutes a night.
Brice looks in the best shape of his young career. He is on the verge of becoming a significant scoring threat in reserve, which will ensure that he has a bigger role than a year ago, when he averaged 10.9 points in 20 minutes a night.
And finally, John Tonje, who has been buried on the bench throughout the preseason, with only a four-minute appearance against Houston, may have a lifeline with the injuries to show his skills against Portland.
Tonje may be raw, but he showed enough at Wisconsin for the Jazz to pay attention. Getting a good outing before he heads to the G-League for a while could be a nice sendoff.
So Ace Bailey's injury could be a blessing in disguise, as it gives these guys an opportunity. Let's hope they take full advantage and show us something on Thursday night against the Trail Blazers.