The Utah Jazz’s draft of Ace Bailey has been seen as a solid pick, but his inefficiency as a shooter may pose a challenge for his Rookie of the Year chances. ESPN’s Kevin Pelton ranks Bailey among Cooper Flagg’s top competitors for the award, but notes that his struggles with shot selection could impact his performance.
Pelton explained that Utah’s offense might exacerbate Bailey’s weaknesses, and the team is relying on him to replace departed shot creators. Despite this, Bailey should receive ample scoring opportunities, which could help him develop consistency as a scorer. However, his growing pains may be more pronounced due to the Jazz’s tanking strategy.
There are two potential silver linings for Bailey: he’ll operate in a pressure-free environment and has the opportunity to prove himself as an all-around scorer. Pelton praised Bailey’s defensive energy and rebounding abilities, which could help him compensate for any initial scoring struggles. With a long leash from Utah, Bailey will have time to iron out his kinks and showcase his potential despite the uncertainty surrounding his Rookie of the Year bid.
Source: https://thejnotes.com/espn-analyst-says-quiet-part-out-loud-ace-baileys-rookie-year-odds