Ace Bailey Hype and Appreciation thread

[NAOS_pt2]

Next year Hardy will care a lot about whether players are net positives or not. He will also care about each unit functioning at its highest level.

Ace in the starting lineup means JJJ is probably our 2nd best ballhandler and best POA/perimeter defender while Kessler would probably be our 2nd best passer. That is far from optimal. Put in Vince Williams or someone like him instead, and you elevate all those areas and the first unit functions much better in theory.

Also you have to try and put Ace in the best position to succeed (be as much of a net positive as possible). I think "bench Lauri" -role is the best option for that. It not only fits his skillset but it also means we can run a lot of our money plays even when Lauri is resting. They will end up sharing the court a lot as well since we obviously want to give Ace 25 mpg at the very least, but I see them subbing for each other more than not.

You're over-thinking things.

There is a path to the top of the league's hierarchy, and we aren't going to waltz over it in a single year. If you calculate the odds on reaching the top, then the most likely paths involve major contributions from Ace and the '26 pick. That will mean playing time in what you seem to think are "far from optimal" circumstances. There are, of course, other ways of thinking about and describing these circumstances. Playing with the teams most-talented players is closer to optimal than not—especially when you're on the wing, one way or another.

 

[gomretat]

It is not a foregone conclusion to me that Ace starts next year. There is lots go growth and improvement before that makes sense so worrying about the size and positions of our starters is down the list.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Ace is a great 5th guy to have out on the floor. He's developing his all around game nicely. He's a great cutter and hes a huge lob threat off the baseline.

Just stop putting all your hope into him being a star. When I did that I see a lot more potential in him. He's going to be Andrew Wiggins but a version who found his best self earlier

 

[fishonjazz]

I think Ace will start next season. Wouldn't be surprised if he didn't though. I give it like a 70% chance that he starts next season.

 

[outerspacefan]

Not at all. Sound kind of dumb

Oh, thanks for the "kind of", it's kind of sweet

 

[HermanG]

You're over-thinking things.

There is a path to the top of the league's hierarchy, and we aren't going to waltz over it in a single year. If you calculate the odds on reaching the top, then the most likely paths involve major contributions from Ace and the '26 pick. That will mean playing time in what you seem to think are "far from optimal" circumstances. There are, of course, other ways of thinking about and describing these circumstances. Playing with the teams most-talented players is closer to optimal than not—especially when you're on the wing, one way or another.

No I'm simply using history of what Hardy has done when he has coached to win games. He plays vets (even guys like 2022 Rudy Gay) and tries to optimize lineups. He will do that again next year, and the doghouse will also return to practice after being abolished for the past 2 years.

Even this season which was a developmental year he went with Svi over Ace or Brice. Svi was never the future of our franchise, but he was the guy who made our starting lineup function better.

 

[framer]

No I'm simply using history of what Hardy has done when he has coached to win games. He plays vets (even guys like 2022 Rudy Gay) and tries to optimize lineups. He will do that again next year, and the doghouse will also return to practice after being abolished for the past 2 years.

Even this season which was a developmental year he went with Svi over Ace or Brice. Svi was never the future of our franchise, but he was the guy who made our starting lineup function better.

Svi isnt going anywhere. He is actually one of the better contracts in the NBA, vastly improved, and seems ro have bought into his role.