When the Utah Jazz drafted Ace Bailey, everyone thought it was a home run for them, even there was unfounded skepticism that he didn't want to play for the team. Being the No. 5 pick in the draft, Bailey will definitely have a role with the Jazz right away. However, judging from Will Hardy's recent comments on him, his role will be more of a complementary role.
While talking with The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen, Hardy talked about what kind of role Bailey will have. Hardy praised Bailey's all-around skills as a player on both ends of the floor, but made it clear that they will emphasize him playing without the ball in his hands.
“On the court, offensively, it’s going to be a little bit of playing without the ball, moving around. I think Ace showed he was really active in summer league. He’s a good cutter. He can play in off-ball screens,” Hardy told Larsen. “And then defensively, while his body is continuing to get stronger, it’s going to be about using his length, because I think that is a real strength of his right now. I think that’s how he can survive on the defensive end right now.”
Bailey will be playing next to a resurgent Lauri Markkanen, as well as playmakers such as Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George, and Walter Clayton Jr. Even though he is the highest pick in franchise history since Dante Exum, Utah will want him to show off his talent and play well within the team to get the best results.
It's a good way to ease him into the NBA without simply throwing him to the wolves. Bailey will definitely have a long leash, but Utah shouldn't overwhelm him until he proves he deserves a big role. To be fair, though, that might not be too long for now.
If Bailey thrives right away, his role will undoubtedly increase
The Jazz want to see Bailey prove himself in other ways besides his calling card as a player: his iso scoring. If he shows that he can do that and then some, it won't be long before they start depending on him to do more for them. Proving himself off the ball could push the coaching staff to see if he can continue that with more touches.
Fans shouldn't necessarily expect that, but they shouldn't be surprised if Bailey does exceed expectations for the role Hardy outlines for him. Bailey showed the kind of potential he has in Summer League, and if that translates immediately, there's no reason for the Jazz to hold him back. They're starting with a small (but not too small) role that should leave the option open to expand it.
Hardy's words signify that he and the Jazz believe in Bailey, but they also want him to prove himself from the get-go.