The NBA’s recent announcement regarding the rosters for the 2026 Rising Stars Game has sparked considerable discussion, particularly due to the absence of Ace Bailey from the Utah Jazz. Selected as the fifth overall pick in last summer’s draft, Bailey has made a name for himself as one of the most promising two-way rookies this season. His exclusion from the prestigious event may serve as a motivation for the young player, who is poised to demonstrate his potential in the latter part of the season.
Bailey has been consistent on the court, averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, while boasting shooting percentages of 45% from the field and 34% from three-point range—all within just 25 minutes of play. His performance has contributed significantly to the Jazz, which has taken a careful approach to Bailey’s rookie development.
The selections made for the Rising Stars Game included players like Copper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe, none of whom surprised observers. However, the inclusion of lower profile players such as former BYU guard Egor Dёmin and Collin Murray-Boyles, as well as Bailey’s former Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, raised eyebrows. Statistically, Bailey’s numbers closely match or surpass Dёmin (10.4 points, 3 rebounds, 3.4 assists), Murray-Boyles (7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2 assists), and Harper (10.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.5 assists), suggesting that performance alone should have warranted his selection.
Jazz head coach Will Hardy expressed minimal concern regarding Bailey’s omission from the Rising Stars roster. He emphasized the team’s focus on developing Bailey into a stronger player rather than aiming for accolades during the season. “We want to help Ace get through this season and help him be a way better player by the end than he started,” Hardy noted.
Despite the setback, this snub could pave the way for Bailey to excel in the upcoming games, especially after he has scored over 20 points in three of his last four games, including a notable performance against the Clippers in the team’s only national televised match of the season. Observers have noted that Bailey has exceeded expectations, with his high basketball IQ and defensive skills gaining admiration.
Bailey’s shooting efficiency has defied the tough-shot-maker label he carried from Rutgers, as he has seamlessly integrated into the Jazz’s offensive structure. With the team likely focusing on building for the future and granting him a larger role, there is potential for Bailey to flourish. With 35 games remaining, Ace Bailey has an opportunity to not only prove the doubters wrong but also make a significant impact and leave a lasting impression on the league.