Ace Bailey emerged as one of the more polarizing players during the 2025 pre-draft process due to his camp’s decision not to have him work out for interested teams. After a shortened Summer League, Jazz head coach Will Hardy opened up on his impressions of Bailey and what he’ll be looking for this season from one of the highest-upside players in this year’s draft class.
“For Ace, first and foremost, it’s going to be about building a routine. The NBA is a lot,” Hardy said, as reported by Andy Larson of the Salt Lake Tribune. “The number of appearances is far more than he used to. That’s practice, shootaround, games, but it’s going to be about sort of him finding his routine, because I think the routine saves you during the season, you don’t have to think that much.”
Larson notes that the young players who make up a majority of Utah’s roster have been practicing in Salt Lake City for large portions of the summer, and Hardy expects them to continue to do so for the next two weeks. After a brief Labor Day break, they will join more of the team, undergoing four workout sessions per week throughout September.
Hardy didn’t get a chance to see the No. 5 overall pick as much as he’d have liked in July – Bailey was limited to two appearances at the Salt Lake City Summer League and didn’t play in Las Vegas – but the Jazz coach shared some thoughts on the on-court skill set he thinks the rookie can develop.
“I think Ace showed he was really active in Summer League. He’s a good cutter. He can play in off-ball screens,” Hardy said. “And then defensively, while his body is continuing to get stronger, it’s going to be about using his length, because I think that is a real strength of his right now. I think that’s how he can survive on the defensive end right now.”
In addition to his scoring potential, Bailey showcased a good motor as a rebounder during Summer League, which will likely help him carve out a role as he learns the intricacies of NBA defenses.
Total false flag. Ace Bailey “controversy” (oh he didn’t want to go to a crappy Utah team? Breaking news…)
This is just distracting from Utah continuing to tank. Why talk about that when they can focus on a young kid who is bound to make mistakes. Maybe they even start blaming the season on him. Trader Danny plays chess with the best of them…
I don’t think it’s a secret that Utah is tanking. Just look at their roster.
Did you read my comment? I know theyre tanking. This is a distraction. Changes the conversation. It is not tricking people into believing something different. Just turning down the heat.
Danny has not found a diamond but Bailey dropping is a blessing. Utah NBA champs 2032.