The Utah Jazz fanbase is going through a pleasure overload at the moment. Between the drafting of Darryn Peterson and the impending return of Walker Kessler to an exceptionally talented team, there's a lot to be excited about. However, the Jazz also know that with the wheels in motion to return to the playoffs, they also have to do everything to keep everyone happy, including Ace Bailey.
Now, Bailey has never been a problem for the Jazz, despite all the warnings since they drafted him. He has held his head high from Day 1, and the returns have always been positive (not mostly, always). However, Utah must consider that someone as talented as him should not be restricted for long, which he might be to start next season.
The Athletic's Tony Jones revealed that following the drafting of Peterson, Bailey is expected to come off the bench to start the season.
"Utah and its fans can finally start putting together what their team is going to look like. The frontcourt, led by Lauri Markkanen and Jaren Jackson Jr., is athletic and deep. The bench, which will likely be led by Ace Bailey and Isaiah Collier, is ready to add depth to the group overall," Jones wrote.
This isn't that surprising because, between Bailey, Peterson, Kessler, Markkanen, Jackson, and Keyonte George, the Jazz have one too many starting-level players, so someone has bite the bullet to come off the bench. Hence, it wouldn't be too surprising if that someone is Bailey.
The one conundrum is that Bailey really came alive at the end of the last season. Once Utah gave him the chance to spread his wings, he ran with it. So much so that, as good as they are going to be next season, it would be a crying shame to see Bailey be parked on the bench as a ripple effect from it.
Bailey may be inserted into the starting lineup soon enough
If Bailey starts the season on the bench, it's not ludicrous to believe that he will prove right away that he is too good for it. If Utah's starting lineup without him proves to not be the most effective, it wouldn't be long before he gets the gig.
What will make this upcoming Jazz season all the more exciting is seeing how they will mix and match their lineups this season. It could get so crazy that Markkanen could start at center while Bailey could start at point guard when it's all said and done.
Luckily, Utah is a competent enough franchise that they know the challenge ahead once the team is assembled. Besides, it will be a fun challenge. Even if Bailey comes off the bench, that doesn't mean he won't be a key contributor for the Jazz both now and going forward.
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