There's a lot of understandable hype surrounding Ace Bailey heading into his first season with the Utah Jazz, and for good reason. But even with all of his upside, Jazz fans need to keep their expectations in check. Bailey is a project, and we must remember that his long-term potential is what got him drafted, not necessarily his ability to be a day-one difference-maker.
This should not come as a surprise to anyone who watched Bailey play at Rutgers. He showed flashes of brilliance and made it clear that he has some of the skills to be impactful at the next level. But he also had stretches where his impact was lesser, especially when his jumper was not falling. And really, that's just the reality of a young player who's still figuring out how to put all his tools together.
The truth is, most rookies are not good NBA players in year number one. The professional game is faster and more physical than anything players have experienced up to that point. Bailey is going to be asked to defend against stronger, smarter players. He will have to adjust to the grind of an 82-game season, and he's going to make his share of mistakes. But again, that's all part of the process.
Ace Bailey is ultimately a long-term play
What matters most this year is not whether Bailey averages 15 points per game or looks like a future All-Star right out of the gate. What matters is that he shows growth, buys into the development process, and begins to carve out his identity at the professional level. He needs to lay his foundation, and the flashes of greatness will likely be there. What the Jazz are going to need is for those flashes to turn into something more consistent over time.
Utah’s front office knew what they were getting when they made this pick. They are not expecting Bailey to be the savior of the franchise in October. They are building a roster that can grow together, and Bailey is one of the key long-term pieces in that equation. His development path might not be linear, and there will be growing pains, but the ceiling is there for something special.
So as the season unfolds, fans would be wise to remember these things. We know the kind of potential Ace Bailey has, even if he goes through a rough patch or two next season. The real question is how he learns from and responds to it all. That is what will ultimately determine his future in this league.