SENSATIONAL – Ace Bailey brings OPTIMISM to Utah Jazz fan base | Keyonte George shines as well
Ace Bailey ignites a wave of optimism across Jazz Nation, delivering a jaw-dropping preseason debut that has fans buzzing with hope. David Locke, radio voice of the Utah Jazz and Jazz NBA Insider, spotlights Bailey’s electric shot creation, unique combination of size and skill, and a scoring arsenal rarely seen from a rookie. Locke breaks down how Bailey’s knack for getting difficult shots off—whether coming off picks, attacking in transition, or creating off the dribble—suggests star potential and gives Utah its most encouraging outlook since the Rudy Gobert trade. The episode also credits veteran center Jusuf Nurkic’s facilitating and pick-setting as key ingredients to Bailey’s big night, hinting at evolving offensive schemes designed to maximize young talent.
Keyonte George earns high praise for a poised, efficient performance at point guard, highlighted by a mature floor game, nine assists, and zero turnovers against a Houston defense that ranked among last season’s best. Locke discusses how the departure of isolation-heavy scorers like Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins has catalyzed a new collective energy and unselfish style for the Jazz. Taylor Hendricks’ return, improved shooting, and physical development are scrutinized as the team considers its potential starting lineup. Locke’s analysis raises compelling questions: Can this young core—Bailey, George, Markkanen, and Hendricks—accelerate Utah’s rebuild? How will the blend of youth and savvy veterans like Nurkic and Kyle Anderson shape the Jazz’s identity moving forward?
00:00 “Remarkable Shot Release Ability”
05:16 Jazz Fans’ Renewed Optimism
09:12 Nurkic’s Challenging Transition Shots
14:37 Keyonte George Matures as Key Player
18:26 Rising Team Identity and Grit
23:09 Jazz Fan Optimism & NBA Promotion
24:24 Defensive Struggles and Team Dynamics
29:50 Strategic Play Requires Team Clarity
31:03 “Pre-Opening Jazz Ticket Offer”
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14 Comments
His height and the height of his jump shot is borderline unguardable.
ACEEEEEEEEE
Darn Locke; good one and you know how honest I can be. Thank you sir.
the optimism point is spot on!
I've been texting all my buddies about it… trying to get them back to fandom… we'll see if it works!
Just the way ace moves his body is astonishing. The one step back mid range that he shot and missed looked amazing and I don't even know how someone can guard that shit seeing how much room he was able to cover on that step back…..needless to say I'm excited
Regarding Donovan and Rudy… "that last year was fairly miserable". That point needs to be driven into the heads of the fans that still bitch and moan about "Danny destroying the team", because they miss Don and Rudy. That last season was horrible. Routinely blowing big leads (so many times…). "Donovan to the Knicks" rumors daily. Rudy saying dumb things about his teammates to the media. Quin not being able to make any mid-game adjustments. A pathetic, first round exit from the playoffs. It was done. Time to move on. We FINALLY have some hope (thanks to tanking properly) in Ace. He looks awesome! It was also great to see Hendricks back. Looked very comfortable.
I’ve taken a break from the Jazz for the past 3 years. Didn’t see any reason to have hope and continue to watch. But Ace Bailey might be bring me back to watching.
Never thought a preseason loss would spark so much joy in me. I am so pumped to be at the season opener this year! Love this squad too much already!
David you are not over exaggerating, he was fantastic last night. I gave him a 9.5 rating. The relationship between him and Nurkic was brilliant, i really didn't see it coming. I do have a question for you though, what are the chance Jusuf Nurkic is with the Jazz long term?
Keyonte going against Amen and playing this well is an excellent sign. 😊
Horrible time for Tony Jones to move on to Philly.
The thing that most stood out to me is how easy it is for him to get a shot off, look at Cody, he struggles on every shot to get them off
I don't think Locke has enough adjectives to describe Ace
As a Grizz fan, i am happy for you guys because i know how rough rebuilding years can be