NBA Rookie Ladder, January 2026: Ace Bailey’s Early Journey Is a Slow Burn Worth Watching
The 2025-26 NBA rookie class is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. From day one, it’s been clear that this group isn’t short on talent - or personality.
Cooper Flagg, VJ Edgecombe, and Kon Knueppel have already started carving out their spots in the league. Dylan Harper’s slashing ability is as advertised, and Derik Queen has slipped into the pro game like he’s been here for years.
Egor Demin’s emergence as a legitimate three-point threat in Brooklyn has turned heads. And Cedric Coward’s rise from relative obscurity to a key contributor has been nothing short of remarkable.
But let’s shift the spotlight for a moment. Because while the top of the rookie class is thriving, there’s another name worth digging into - one that comes with more questions than answers right now, but also the kind of upside that can change the direction of a franchise.
We’re talking about Airious “Ace” Bailey, the fifth overall pick and the centerpiece of the Utah Jazz’s rebuild.
Let’s rewind for a moment. The Jazz didn’t just stumble into the top of the 2025 draft - they earned it, in the most painful way possible.
After a full-on teardown, Utah ended the season with the worst record in the league. It was a calculated risk, a bet that the future would be brighter if they could land a true cornerstone.
And when the lottery balls bounced their way, Ace Bailey was the prize.
Now, here’s the thing: Bailey hasn’t been the most impressive rookie so far. He’s not leading the box scores.
He’s not dominating highlight reels like some of his peers. He may not even be Utah’s go-to guy when they’re ready to contend.
But that doesn’t mean the Jazz got it wrong. Far from it.
Bailey is a work in progress - and that’s okay.
The Rookie Ladder Snapshot
Here’s where the top rookies stand statistically so far this season:
- Cooper Flagg (1st pick) - 18.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.1 APG
- Kon Knueppel (4th) - 19.0 PPG, 3.5 APG, 43.5% from three
- VJ Edgecombe (3rd) - 15.6 PPG, 4.3 APG, 1.5 SPG
- Dylan Harper (2nd) - 10.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 3.2 RPG
- Derik Queen (12th) - 12.6 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
- Egor Demin (8th) - 10.4 PPG, 3.4 APG, 39.8% from three
- Cedric Coward (11th) - 14.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.9 APG
- Ace Bailey (5th) - 10.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.5 BPG
- Jeremiah Fears (7th) - 13.9 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 3.2 APG
- Maxime Reynaud (42nd) - 10.1 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.2 APG
Bailey’s numbers aren’t eye-popping, but they’re not the whole story either. What he’s showing - in flashes - is the kind of raw ability that makes scouts and coaches lean forward in their seats.
Fireworks in Progress
Watching Ace Bailey right now is like sitting front row at a teppanyaki grill. You’re not there for the all-you-can-eat buffet of production - not yet. You’re there for the sizzle, the spectacle, and the slow build toward something potentially special.
And make no mistake, the flashes are real.
Bailey’s athleticism is off the charts. He’s already thrown down a handful of dunks that defy logic - one, a flat-footed explosion off a pivot, looked more like a video game glitch than a real-life move.
Another? A reverse two-handed slam in crunch time that felt more like a statement than a bucket.
He’s not just a jumper, though. There’s nuance in his game.
He’s shown the ability to create his own shot, particularly in the mid-range - a skill that’s quietly making a comeback across the league. Bailey’s not afraid to pull up, fade, or turn around, and he’s doing it with a high release that’s tough to contest.
When asked about his comfort in that in-between space, Bailey simply said, “If nobody wants to take a mid-range, I’ll take it. I love it.”
That confidence matters. So does his patience.
For a 19-year-old, Bailey plays with a certain deliberateness. He’s not rushing.
He’s not forcing. He’s letting the game come to him - and that bodes well for his long-term trajectory.
Defensive Tools, Offensive Potential
Defensively, Bailey’s upside is just as intriguing. He’s got the foot speed to stay in front of smaller guards and the length to contest shots all over the floor.
He’s not a lockdown defender yet, but the tools are there. And in a league where switchability is king, Bailey’s versatility could become a major asset.
Offensively, he’s still figuring it out. His shot selection is mostly solid, and he’s not trying to do too much.
He’s not the focal point of Utah’s offense - not yet - but that’s part of the plan. The Jazz are letting him grow, letting him find his rhythm without the pressure of carrying the load every night.
And that’s the right approach. Because while he may not be leading the Rookie of the Year race, Bailey is laying the foundation for something bigger.
The Jazz didn’t draft him for January 2026. They drafted him for the next decade.
The Long Game in Utah
Compared to last year’s top pick Cody Williams, who’s only now starting to find his stride, Bailey already looks like the more complete prospect. He’s more than just an athlete - he’s a player with instincts, polish, and an understanding of how to impact the game on both ends.
So don’t panic if you see him sitting a few spots lower on the rookie ladder than his draft position. That’s not a red flag - it’s just part of the process. Development isn’t linear, and for a player with Bailey’s ceiling, patience is a virtue.
The Jazz knew what they were doing when they went all-in on the rebuild. They knew it would take time. And with Ace Bailey, they’ve got a player who might not be the loudest name in the class right now, but who could very well be the most dangerous once the dust settles.
So sit back. Watch the sparks fly. The main course is still being prepared - but the early signs are delicious.