Ace Bailey's Rising Stars Snub Might Be the Spark the Jazz Rookie Needed
When the NBA dropped the 2026 Rising Stars Game roster, one name was conspicuously missing - Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey. For a player taken fifth overall in last summer’s draft, and who’s steadily grown into one of the most intriguing two-way rookies in the league, the omission raised eyebrows. But if Bailey’s recent play is any indication, the league might have just handed him the motivation he needed to level up.
Bailey’s Numbers Tell a Bigger Story
Let’s start with what Bailey is doing. In just under 25 minutes per game, he’s averaging 11.1 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists, shooting 45% from the field and 34% from deep.
That’s not just solid - that’s efficient, especially for a rookie still adjusting to NBA speed and physicality. And it’s coming on a Jazz team that’s been deliberate with his development, easing him into a larger role rather than throwing him into the fire.
But what makes this snub sting a bit more is who did make the Rising Stars roster. Names like Cooper Flagg, Kon Knueppel, and VJ Edgecombe were expected.
No surprises there. But Egor Dёmin, Collin Murray-Boyles, and even Bailey’s former Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper getting the nod over him?
That’s where things get interesting.
Take a closer look at the numbers. Dёmin is averaging 10.4 points, 3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists.
Harper’s at 10.2 points, 3.3 boards, and 3.5 assists. Murray-Boyles is putting up 7.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals.
Solid contributions, no doubt - but none of them are clearly outpacing Bailey. In fact, Bailey edges them in scoring and shooting efficiency, and he's doing it with fewer touches and less fanfare.
Maybe playing on winning teams helped Harper and Murray-Boyles earn their spots - though historically, Rising Stars selections haven’t always leaned on team success. And Dёmin’s inclusion, while not unjustified, only adds to the mystery.
Coach Hardy’s Focus Is Bigger Than One Game
Jazz head coach Will Hardy didn’t mince words when asked about the snub. “We don’t set out in the season as a goal of ours is to get Ace in the Rising Stars Challenge,” Hardy said. “We want to help Ace get through this season and help him be a way better player by the end than he started.”
That’s the long game - and it’s one the Jazz have been playing all year. They’ve prioritized Bailey’s development over headlines, and it’s starting to pay off.
The Arrow Is Pointing Up
If the Rising Stars snub was meant to light a fire under Bailey, it’s already working. He’s topped the 20-point mark in three of his last four games, including a standout 20-point performance against the Clippers - Utah’s lone national TV appearance this season. That’s the kind of moment that sticks, especially for a young player looking to prove he belongs on the league’s radar.
But it’s not just the scoring. Bailey has shown a basketball IQ well beyond his years.
He’s making smart reads, staying within the flow of the offense, and picking his spots. For a player who came into the draft with a reputation as a tough-shot taker, he’s flipped the script - becoming a model of efficiency instead of forcing the issue.
And defensively? He’s holding his own against NBA-caliber wings, showing flashes of the two-way upside that made him a top-five pick in the first place. Jazz fans aren’t just hopeful - they’re starting to believe this kid could be something special.
More Minutes, More Opportunities
With 35 games left on the schedule and Utah keeping a close eye on their protected draft pick, there’s every reason to believe Bailey’s role will continue to grow. The Jazz have been patient, but now the runway is clear.
More minutes. More touches.
More chances to show the rest of the league what they might’ve missed.
Bailey’s Rising Stars snub might not make sense on paper, but it could end up being a blessing in disguise. Because if he keeps trending the way he has been, this won’t be the last time we’re talking about Ace Bailey being left off a list he clearly belonged on. And next time, the league might not be so quick to overlook him.