Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey revealed his admiration for Kevin Durant, explaining how the NBA star has influenced his own game.
“Yeah, for sure. I watched a lot of his game. I mean, my game is his game low-key,” Bailey told Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports, via HoopsHype. The 19-year-old pointed out a specific moment when he unintentionally mirrored Durant’s signature spin jump shot, highlighting the lasting impact of his idol on his style of play.
Bailey, the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, made his regular-season debut on Thursday against the Los Angeles Clippers, contributing two points, four rebounds, and two assists in 20 minutes during Utah’s 129-108 victory.
Looking ahead, Bailey outlined his ambitions for the season, naming Rookie of the Year and an All-Star selection as primary goals. “That’s a big goal of mine. I want to be an All-Star, for sure,” he said, adding that he is focused on improving defensively and becoming a better teammate.
During his college career at Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
Bailey also emphasized the importance of defense, noting he wants to make a defensive team and show that his efforts in that area are paying off. “Just become a better teammate, be open to learning a lot more,” he said, highlighting his maturity and commitment despite being a rookie.
