The Utah Jazz kept Kevin Love when many thought his buyout was inevitable. It's been confirmed that they kept him because of the veteran presence he brings. Once Walker Kessler was deemed out for the season, they suddenly needed him for more than that. However, it's become pretty clear that Love was brought in to be the role model they need for Ace Bailey.
Love has already gone out of his way to praise Bailey for what the future holds for him. However, more evidence is coming out indicating that the future Hall of Famer has taken the kid under his wing. Just check out how these two interact before the Jazz play.
gotta teach the rook the ropes 😂🕺
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 8, 2025
(need the shimmy at the end @AiriousB 👀) pic.twitter.com/IDye8qUy9i
If that's not enough, Love has recently yet again not minced words when talking about Bailey's future in the NBA. Not only did he praise his talent, but Love made it clear that Bailey's all-around game and mindset is truly one of a kind for someone his age.
“He’s just so talented and he’s not even scratching the surface yet,” Love told The Deseret News' Sarah Todd. “There’s so many things that he does out there that you just say, ‘Wow,’ and you understand why he was so highly touted coming out as an 18-year-old. His play-making, his passing, it’s just all so natural for him. And as he continues to keep breaking down film and stay in the gym and continue to work, you’re just going to see more and more.”
Being the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft 17 years before Bailey was, Love knows what it was like for him to enter the NBA with high expectations. Because Love lived up to expectations, it makes sense that he is paying special attention to someone like Bailey who has the talent to be as good as Love once was.
This is a crucial ingredient for Ace Bailey's development
All young players need that veteran that not only believes in them, but also shows them the ropes so that they can become the players their teams believe them to be. It's not like Love is necessarily the most crucial ingredient for Bailey to become a star, but he is definitely useful.
Not all young players needed a former star to guide them on their NBA journey, but that doesn't mean having one is a bad thing. In fact, young players have come out to say how much they appreciate having a veteran by their side during the early days. The best example of this is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander having Chris Paul in Oklahoma City for one season. SGA may have become an all-time anyway, but Paul definitely refined his skills.
No one knows if Love is staying a Jazzman past this season, but if he does, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the reason why is because of what he does for Bailey.