Ace Bailey's long-awaited debut with the Utah Jazz is arriving, but it might take longer than many would have liked. Bailey dealt with some knee problems during their preseason, but that's not what may keep him out for their season opener. Apparently, he is currently dealing with the flu, which could keep him out of the Jazz's season opener.
The Salt Lake Tribune's Andy Larsen revealed that Bailey may miss the Jazz's home opener against the Los Angeles Clippers tomorrow.
Jusuf Nurkic referenced Bailey's sickness at yesterday's media availability, sounds like he's missed a few days. I'm guessing whether or not Bailey plays will be based on whether he's able to get in a solid practice and shootaround today and tomorrow.
— Andy Larsen (@andyblarsen) October 21, 2025
The flu typically doesn't hold a player out for too long, but it is a little frustrating that the Jazz will have to wait a little longer to see their most exciting young prospect in ages play his first real game with the team. Since the Summer League, Bailey has only leveled up the excitement since the Jazz took him.
It's not his fault at all that he might not be able to play in one of 82 games, and if he misses their season opener, he likely wouldn't be out for much longer. It would be much more fun for Jaz fans to see such an exciting prospect as soon as possible.
There is still plenty to be excited about on opening night
If Bailey misses the season opener against the Clippers, the Jazz still have plenty of exciting young talent to look into. Bailey is their most exciting prospect, but it's not like they don't have others.
After winning Summer League MVP, the Jazz should get to see what Kyle FIlipowski has in store for them in year 2. Following a much better sophomore season, which was then followed by an excellent Summer League and preseason performance, many wonder what Brice Sensabaugh has up his sleave.
The Jazz will begin to see which of their young guards will stand out the best, as that's one of their biggest long-term questions. With Bailey out, will that give Cody Williams the chance to prove that he truly is an NBA player?
Even if Bailey's debut with Utah may be delayed by a game or two, the team's youth movement is still an exciting one. Many are looking forward to seeing the No. 5 pick, but this will be a season where the Jazz get to see which of their youngsters are worth keeping for the long haul.
Anytime someone like Bailey will be out for a game or two, that only means a different youngster will get to show out while he's recovering. In a season with no current expectations, that's part of the fun.