The Utah Jazz have been accused by many around the NBA, including the Association itself, of tanking. The NBA fined Utah $500,000 for its decision to bench both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen for entire fourth quarters in close games, directly stating that the decisions "[prioritize] draft position over winning."
If the Jazz truly are in the business of tanking for better draft position, then one question will need to be answered: Which prospect in the 2026 NBA Draft most ideally complements Ace Bailey?
Utah shouldn't pass up on a top-tier talent just because of concerns over fit when it's as far as it is from contending. What it should do, however, is factor Bailey into its draft-night strategy if a lottery pick is ultimately made available to it.
It may seem like a somewhat irrational concern, but Bailey is quickly proving that he has the three-level scoring and defensive potential that many hoped he'd display.
That's materialized to some degree in his season averages of 11.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.8 steals, 0.5 blocks, and 1.5 three-point field goals made in 26.8 minutes per game. Beyond the box score, he's showing remarkable poise and versatility as a two-way player at just 19 years of age.
Rather than going for the best player available and discarding Bailey's fit, the Jazz must do what they can to ensure that they build their dynamic duo of the future if they keep their 2026 first-round pick.
How would dream draft targets fit with Jazz rookie Ace Bailey?
The reality facing the Jazz is that their first-round pick will convey to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it lands outside of the top eight. As such, potential outcomes include Utah losing its selection, landing in the range of prospects who wouldn't necessarily instantly overtake Bailey in the proverbial hierarchy, or securing a new franchise player.
Regardless of how appealing the likes of Cameron Boozer, AJ Dybantsa, and Darryn Peterson may be, the Jazz need a concrete plan for how they intend to utilize Bailey alongside them.
Bailey has played 94 percent of his minutes at forward. During that time, he's recorded seven 20-point games and displayed the ability to finish inside, knock down shots from midrange, and bury threes. Moreover, he's thrived as much as a rookie can be expected to on defense.
Bailey ranks in the 81st percentile in off-ball chaser defense, the 59th percentile in perimeter isolation defense, and the 53rd percentile in ball screen navigation, per Basketball Index.
With this in mind, the Jazz can't responsibly risk alienating a 19-year-old forward who has already provided positive value on both ends of the floor. Even if he never reaches his star ceiling, Bailey at least looks the part of a quality rotational piece who should be starting and playing big minutes.
The Jazz must acquire the best talent they can with a potential top-eight pick, but they can't allow their selection to be made without first understanding how to navigate its impact on Bailey.