Kevin Love, a seasoned veteran in the NBA, is stepping up to mentor rookie Ace Bailey of the Utah Jazz, recognizing the budding talent right next to him. The five-time All-Star has taken Bailey under his wing since the young player arrived in Salt Lake City this summer, offering valuable insights on navigating the challenges of being a new player in the league.
In a recent conversation, Love shared the essence of his guidance with Bailey, urging him to “embrace the challenge” and acknowledge the steep learning curve that comes with being a rookie. “You’re so young, there’s gonna be a lot coming at you, there’s gonna be a lot of voices, but try and find ways to balance and center yourself,” Love advised.
The connection between Love and Bailey transcends mentorship; both were selected fifth overall in their respective drafts, leading to a playful nickname for one another: “P5.” Their closeness is evident not only in their shared experience but also in their daily interactions, as they sit next to each other at the practice facility, providing ample opportunity for face-to-face communication.
Love believes that Bailey is just beginning to discover his potential. With his recent performance that included a 20-point game, Love sees promise in the young player’s growth. “I really see ways that I can help him,” Love remarked, emphasizing that Bailey, only 19 years old, is just at the surface of what he can achieve. Reflecting on his own career, Love noted the similarities in their journeys, acknowledging the steep learning curve he faced when entering the league at 19.
Kevin Love joined the Jazz during the 2025 offseason, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his successful stints with Minnesota, Cleveland, and Miami. The Jazz front office, particularly head coach Will Hardy and team president Austin Ainge, sought his veteran presence to stabilize a young locker room and foster the development of their promising rookie.
Statistics from Love’s games have been modest—averaging 4.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 14.1 minutes in seven games—yet the Jazz’s motivation for acquiring him extends beyond mere numbers. His role is crucial in providing mentorship to young talents like Bailey, who came into the league with significant expectations and has already started to reveal signs of his abilities, averaging 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 41.4% from the field.
The Jazz, with a current record of 5–8, are optimistic that Bailey’s development paired with the guidance of a veteran like Love will be a cornerstone of their long-term strategy. The team is set to continue its season when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on November 18, providing Bailey further opportunities to grow under Love’s mentorship as they navigate the challenges of the ongoing season together.