The 18-year-old rookie tore into pieces the rookie wall! Durant praised Bailey for having no upper limit, and the battle for the best rookie has changed.

When the Utah Jazz selected 18-year-old Ace Bailey in this year's draft, many people thought it was just another attempt in the team's long process of failure. However, just at the beginning of the preseason, the young rookie shocked the entire league with his performance of averaging 22.5 points per game. Even Kevin Durant couldn't help but praise him: "This kid will soon become a top player, and his ceiling is limitless."

From obscurity to reaching idol recognition

No one expected that the Jazz's failed strategy for many years would actually reap unexpected rewards this year. The maturity and scoring ability shown by 18-year-old Ace Bailey in the preseason completely broke people's inherent perception of rookie players. He was not slowly adapting to the rhythm of the NBA. Instead, he transformed into a "walking 20-point machine" as soon as he came up and proved his worth in just two games.

Faced with such a performance, even NBA superstar Durant spoke highly of it. You know, Durant rarely praises young players so outspokenly, especially in the preseason. Such recognition will undoubtedly give Bailey a good start in his NBA career.

Amazing in his debut, he slapped doubters in the face in the second game.

Pele's NBA debut was perfect. Facing young players with superstar potential such as Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. of the Rockets, Bailey showed no stage fright at all. He made 11 of 16 shots, efficiently scoring 25 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists. His shooting was as accurate as a scope. Especially in the technique of catch-and-shoot, he made 6 of 8 shots, even if the opponent reached out to interfere, it was of no avail. That shooting posture and stability are just like a "young version of Durant".

However, this performance did not completely dispel people's doubts. Some people think "the Rockets didn't take precautions seriously", while others think "it's just luck". But Bailey quickly responded to these doubts with strength in the second game. Against the Spurs, Bailey always found a rhythm whether he was guarded by Johnson or Vassell. He scored 20 points and 7 rebounds on 8-of-13 shooting, showing a very high level on both offense and defense, and also contributed 2 steals.

The technological maturity behind the terrifying efficiency

The most amazing thing is Bailey's efficiency. After two preseason games, he averaged 22.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game, shooting 65.5% from the field, 40% from three-point range, and 100% from free throws. Speaking of catch-and-shoot skills alone, he made 11 of 16 shots in two games, with a shooting percentage of 68.8%. This is already an elite level of off-ball ability.

His teammates only need to pass the ball in place, and Bailey can turn around and face the defense for a pull-up jump shot. This stability even exceeds that of many veterans who have played in the NBA for several years. Considering that he is only 18 years old, this level of technical maturity is staggering. It was originally thought that it would take at least a year or two for a high-ranking rookie like him to realize his talent. As a result, Bailey was completely adapted to the intensity of NBA games as soon as he came up.

The Jazz environment helps grow.

More importantly, Bailey's team environment is very beneficial to his development. The Jazz have made it clear that they want to train him as the core of the team. There are no big-name stars in the team who have the right to steal the ball. They will definitely give him enough firing rights in the new season. Even if the team continues to perform badly, the management will let him collect enough data and accumulate enough game experience.

This relaxed and supportive environment is crucial for the growth of young players. Bailey does not need to play under the pressure of winning and can focus on improving his skills and perfecting his game. This kind of free space is what many rookies in the same class dream of.

In sharp contrast with Flagg

In contrast, Flagg, a popular rookie in the same session, is in a completely different situation. His Mavericks team has superstars such as Irving, Klay, and Big Eyebrow who need the ball. The tactical position that can be assigned to Flagg is very limited. Moreover, the Mavericks' goal is to win, and it is impossible to sacrifice record in order to train him, so it is very difficult for Flagg's data to be more eye-catching than Bailey.

This difference in environment is likely to have a decisive impact in the competition for the best rookie. Although Flagg's talent is equally outstanding, in the absence of sufficient performance opportunities, it is difficult for him to compete with Bailey in terms of statistics.

The battle for the best rookie has changed dramatically.

Now that the preseason is over, Bailey has become the "number one" among rookies. He averaged nearly 10 points more than second-place Knippa, and his performance on both ends was much more consistent than expected. In the past, everyone focused on popular rookies such as Yang Hansen and Flagg, but now it is estimated that Bailey has to be included in the discussion of the best rookie.

If Bailey can continue this state in the regular season and stay healthy, he may really be able to intercept Humphreys and become the biggest dark horse among this rookie class. After all, the strength is there, and his talent is recognized even by his idol Durant, so it can’t be wrong, right?

Future Outlook

For Bailey, his outstanding performance in the preseason is just the beginning. The intensity and pressure of the regular season is completely different from the preseason, and he needs to be prepared to face greater challenges. But judging from the abilities and potential he has shown so far, Bailey does have the potential to become a top player.

His ability to run without the ball, his stability in catching and shooting, and his enthusiasm on the defensive end all show the prototype of a future All-Star player. If he can continue to maintain this rate of progress and continue to improve his skills, given time, he may really reach the heights Durant mentioned..

For the Jazz, they finally found the core of their reconstruction. Years of failure have finally paid off, and Bailey's rise may allow the team to end the rebuilding period early and become a strong force in the Western Conference again.

In general, Ace Bailey's performance in the preseason has subverted people's perception of rookie players. Not only has he torn apart the so-called "rookie wall," he may also create surprises in the competition for the best rookie. As the regular season approaches, everyone is looking forward to more surprises from this 18-year-old genius.