Everyone should be excited for what the future holds for Ace Bailey in Year 2 with the Utah Jazz. At the same time, it's hard to pinpoint what his role will be as a sophomore. The Jazz's ceiling will be considerably higher this coming season, and Bailey's progression could factor into their fortunes this season.
But we must remember that he's still a young player, meaning that even as the Jazz compete for a playoff spot, Bailey will still have to grow into the foundation piece, which will take time. Because of that, expectations should be kept in check to some degree.
In an exclusive interview with Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson, Terry clarified what Bailey's role should look like in Year 2 with the Jazz.
"Year two will still be more development and growing," Terry told Robinson about Bailey. "But he’ll definitely hopefully earn more responsibility out there on the floor with minutes. What I’ve seen is a guy coming into the league basically wet behind the ears and not knowing anything, and then get his development process implemented and sped up. As he learned, he got more and more responsibility."
At the same time, Terry made it sound like Bailey is not only quick to learn but also has the right work ethic.
"He’s one of those quick learners," Terry added about Bailey.
"He’s a hard worker, and he’s another guy that just brings life to your gym. It’s refreshing, and it’s good to have around. It is infectious; his attitude and his approach to basketball and to being in the gym. He is a hoop-a-holic, a gym rat."
Bailey's progression isn't among Utah's biggest factors in the short term, but will be among the biggest factors in the long term.
If anything, taking it easy with Bailey is the best route
Because the Jazz are counting on Lauri Markkanen to have his best season ever, Keyonte George to thrive in a contract year, and Jaren Jackson Jr. to come back with a vengeance after his season ended prematurely, Bailey doesn't have much pressure to take a major leap.
That's not to say it wouldn't be awesome to have him show out in Year 2, but no one will be mad if there are some growing pains or even if there may be a sophomore slump this season. Easing Bailey in while also having his career nurtured healthily on a playoff team might be the best way for him to become the player Utah wants him to be in the long run.
From the way Terry describes it, Bailey has the right mindset and work ethic to be the player Utah envisioned when they picked him. His turn is coming, but it won't be right away and that shouldn't be much of an issue.
Besides, just because he might not be starting doesn't mean he won't be finishing. The Jazz should be ready for anything after how well his rookie season ended. The bottom line is that even if his sophomore year isn't too eventful on its own, everyone knows that Bailey's turn is coming.
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