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Jazz coach Will Hardy praises Ace Bailey's energy ahead of home opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 24, 2026, 5:48 AM

Last updated Oct 24, 2026

Jazz coach Will Hardy praises Ace Bailey's energy ahead of home opener

Summary

Utah Jazz head coach Will Hardy expressed his enjoyment in coaching second-year forward Ace Bailey, who is finding his role in a competitive rotation. Before the Jazz's home opener against the New Orleans Pelicans, Hardy highlighted Bailey's ability to bring energy and positivity to practices and games. Despite a season-opening loss to the Memphis Grizzlies where Bailey scored 12 points off the bench, he earned a starting spot for the Pelicans game. In that game, Bailey contributed six points, seven rebounds, and two assists as the Jazz look for a strong performance early in the season.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Bailey averaged 13.8 points in his rookie season.
•He scored six points on 2-of-8 shooting against the Pelicans.
•The Jazz secured their first win of the season, beating the Pelicans 120-119.

Latest Updates

5:48 AMYahoo Sports — Jazz HC Will Hardy reveals why it’s a ‘joy’ to coach Ace Bailey

What they're saying

"
Ace Bailey is still searching for his place in a crowded Utah Jazz rotation , but head coach Will Hardy has no complaints about what the second-year forward brings every day. Before Utah’s home opener against the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, Hardy was asked about Bailey’s role. “His role is just that, is to give our team energy, to use his […] The post Jazz HC Will Hardy reveals why it’s a ‘joy’ to coach Ace Bailey appeared first on ClutchPoints.
— Yahoo Sports

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New Orleans Pelicans Utah Jazz Memphis Grizzlies NBA Basketball