Ace Bailey quietly winning over Jazz skeptics despite early struggles

Among everything that's gone right for the Utah Jazz this season, and something just went very, very wrong, Ace Bailey hasn't been among the biggest positives. However, even if his transition to the NBA hasn't been as smooth as many would have liked, Bailey is proving the narrative that he might be a problem child very wrong.

Bailey was named among the NBA's top newcomers in ESPN's most recent Power Rankings. Tim MacMahon explained why Bailey got the nod for the Jazz.

"Utah's front office and coaching staff are optimistic that Bailey, the fifth pick in the draft, can develop into a franchise cornerstone. That potential hasn't translated into instant production for the teenager, who is averaging 4.6 points on 29.5% shooting. However, the Jazz have been encouraged by Bailey's approach and willingness to be coached since he arrived in Utah," McMahon wrote.

When the Jazz drafted Bailey, there was justified concern that, following his pre-draft antics, that Bailey could be a problem for Utah. However, even though the Jazz haven't given their prized rookie too many opportunities, it's clear that he's taking everything in stride, from making his rookie mistakes to not getting the minutes many thought he would.

For what it's worth, Bailey has improved gradually with each passing game. He has shown increased confidence in both his scoring ability and his ability to fit within Utah's offense schemes.

The fact that he's been a good soldier through it all is a great sign for Utah. It may not be too long from now that Bailey has his breakout game, but until he does, it's awesome that he's soaking this all in and letting the game come to him.

Kessler's injury could open up time for Bailey

Following the devastating news that Kessler will miss the rest of the season, that will likely force the Jazz to make some adjustments, which may include playing Lauri Markkanen, Kyle Filipowski, and Taylor Hendricks bigger than they have.

If those three play more minutes at the five, that could open up minutes for Bailey to play more as a hybrid forward. There will probably be some growing pains, but he would get an adequate chance to prove himself.

Bailey has proven that he won't be a problem for Utah and earnestly wants to be part of a team more than he wants to prove that he's a star. He definitely wants to prove both, but at least those goals aren't getting in the way of each other. Plus, it's not like, whether he explodes this season or down the line, Utah takes any issue being patient with him.