Ace Bailey Left Off Rising Stars Roster - and What That Says About the Jazz's Rebuild
When the NBA Rising Stars rosters dropped this week, one name was noticeably missing: Ace Bailey. The Utah Jazz rookie, taken No. 5 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, was the only top-nine pick from that class not selected for the league’s annual showcase of young talent.
Now, let’s be clear - this isn’t some headline-grabbing snub. The players who did make the cut all have solid cases, and in Bailey’s case, the omission probably says more about his current role in Utah than it does about his long-term ceiling.
He’s raw, and the Jazz haven’t exactly fast-tracked him into the spotlight. His usage has been limited, and the team’s offensive sets haven’t been built around him just yet.
So while the Rising Stars roster might look like a slight at first glance, it’s more a reflection of where Bailey is in his development curve.
But here’s where things get interesting: Bailey’s absence continues a trend that’s hard to ignore. Since the Jazz entered their rebuild phase, they’ve had just one player - Keyonte George - crack the Rising Stars lineup.
That was last year, in George’s second season. For a franchise that’s gone all-in on building through the draft, that’s a pretty quiet return on investment when it comes to league-wide recognition.
The Jazz have spent the last few years stockpiling picks and taking big swings on young talent. And yes, there have been glimpses - moments where guys flash the potential that made them lottery picks. But the lack of Rising Stars representation underscores a larger issue: Utah’s young core hasn’t quite popped yet on the national radar.
Take Taylor Hendricks and Cody Williams, for example. Both were top-10 picks.
Both came into the league with plenty of promise. But neither has made the leap fans - or the front office - were hoping for.
Hendricks, to be fair, dealt with a significant leg injury last season that slowed his development. And the Jazz have taken a methodical approach with their young guys, often using the G League to get them reps.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing - development takes time, and not every prospect is ready to contribute right away.
Still, the results so far raise some questions. Hendricks and Williams haven’t lived up to the hype they carried out of college. And when your G League standouts are earning more accolades than your main roster’s young guns, it’s worth taking a closer look at the draft decisions being made.
Of course, Keyonte George is the counterpoint. He’s a reminder that development isn’t linear.
He showed flashes from the jump, especially in his first training camp, and while he’s still growing into his role, the talent has always been evident. He needed time and seasoning - and he’s getting there.
That’s likely the path for Bailey, too. The tools are there.
He’s long, athletic, and has the kind of upside that made him a top-five pick. But the Jazz aren’t rushing him, and that’s probably the right call.
He needs time to adjust to the speed and complexity of the NBA game. Patience is key here.
The question is whether the same patience applies to the rest of Utah’s young core. Because while Bailey is just getting started, some of the other prospects are already at a crossroads. The Jazz have invested heavily in the draft - now it’s about turning potential into production.
What’s Next for the Jazz
The team continues its road trip with matchups against the Raptors, Pacers, and Hawks after hosting the Brooklyn Nets. It’s a stretch that could offer more opportunities for Bailey and the rest of Utah’s young roster to show what they’ve got.
Around the League
- Nikola Jokic is set to return after a month-long absence - a huge boost for Denver as they look to regain momentum.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo trade chatter is heating up, with the Bucks star reportedly weighing his options ahead of a potential exit.
- And over in L.A., the Clippers are suddenly the team no one wants to face - surging at just the right time.
Back in Salt Lake City, the Jazz are still figuring things out. The rebuild is ongoing, and the clock isn’t ticking just yet. But if Utah wants to turn their stockpile of prospects into a sustainable contender, they’ll need more than just potential - they’ll need players who rise to the moment.