Ace Bailey, fresh off a 33-point performance against the Milwaukee Bucks, demonstrated his versatility in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the Utah Jazz losing 126-116, Bailey tied for a game-high 25 points. He also added a career-high five blocks in just three quarters.
Bailey’s Defensive Impact
Bailey’s defensive contributions stood out. He also had seven rebounds and four assists. “Shoo! I might be a big,” Bailey said.
Bailey wants to improve his defence to stay on the court next season. “With the team we’re looking to have, being a defender, it’s gonna be a very big role, especially if you wanna stay on the court, and if you wanna win you’ve got to, and I want to win, so I have to play offense and defense,” Bailey said.
Praise From the Coaches
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse had previously noted Bailey’s offensive capabilities. “Obviously, he’s not afraid to shoot, not afraid to shoot high volume 3s,” Nurse said. “He got 19 of them up the other night… I think it goes back to his ability, with his length and his size and his release and all that stuff that he can actually find those and get them up.”
Jazz head coach Will Hardy believes Bailey has improved more on the defensive end than offensively. “I think he’s grown more defensively than offensively,” Hardy said. “It’s harder to discuss an individual’s defense in these settings, because there are fewer things that you can really measure.
Hardy continued, “You know, tonight we’re talking about it because he had five blocks…but Ace is an incredible athlete, and it’s not just offensively. Like, his ability to cover ground and close out his ability to guard the ball…I truly believe that he’s grown more on the defensive side of the ball than he has offensively.”
Offensive Expectations
Bailey’s offensive talent was evident coming into the NBA. Teams were impressed by his scoring ability. Questions arose about his willingness to pass and his defensive use of size and skill.
Looking Ahead
Bailey’s teammates and coaches around the league praise his impact on both ends of the court. They see him improving as the season progresses. The idea of a tall, versatile wing is taking shape.