Jazz General Manager Austin made two promising picks on Wednesday night, choosing Rutgers freshman star Josh Bailey with the second overall pick and 22-year-old guard AJ Clayton with the 23rd. The signings bring hope to a team that has struggled to find its footing in recent years.
Bailey’s impressive college stats – averaging 20 points and 9 rebounds per game as a freshman – made him an attractive target for Austin. He also boasts an impressive vertical leap of 34.5 inches, which could translate well to the pros.
Clayton, on the other hand, has a solid track record in the NBA G League and could provide much-needed depth at guard. The Jazz will be hoping that he can bring some consistency to their backcourt.
While these signings are a step in the right direction, they won’t magically transform the team into winners overnight. As Austin himself noted on Wednesday, “It’s a process with young guys.” The Jazz have been working on rebuilding for years, but it remains to be seen whether they can make some real progress this season.
One question on everyone’s mind is how aggressive the new GM will be in making moves this offseason. Will he stick to his plan or look to make some fast trades? The answer to that one may become clear in time, but for now, fans are just eager to see what the future holds for their team.
Austin has set high standards for himself and the team, saying “We believe in stacking good decisions.” But it’s up to him to deliver on those promises. As the season approaches, Jazz fans will be watching closely to see if he can turn some of the team’s promising young players into winners.
For now, the focus is on the present, with two new additions giving the team a bit of hope for the future. But as Austin himself said, “More is required” to make real progress. The journey ahead won’t be easy, but it’s clear that he and his team are committed to making some changes.
Source: https://www.sltrib.com/sports/jazz/2025/06/26/after-drafting-ace-bailey-can