Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey may be bursting with gravity-defying highlights in his first professional season, but even the league's brightest young stars have to be humble eventually.
During the Rising Stars media availability at the Intuit Dome on Friday night, the 19-year-old forward finally opened up about his official "Welcome to the NBA" moment. Unsurprisingly, it featured one of the league's most lethal scoring machines: Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.
That moment was a simple, cold-blooded masterclass in mid-range. Bailey explained that trying to guard the four-time All-Star is a nightmare for any defender, let alone a rookie.
He said when it comes to Devin Booker, you're dealing with a signature fadeaway shot that is almost impossible to stop without fouling. Bailey jokingly recalled thinking, "Bro, come on," as he realized the level of difficulty he now faced every night.
NBA's rising stars share their "Welcome to the League" moments pic.twitter.com/xZ0oxtOUMC
- Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) 14 February 2026
Bailey, who stepped in as an injury replacement for Cooper Flagg on Team Melo in the Rising Stars game, is certainly playing the way he plays. Over his last 15 games, the fifth overall pick has averaged 11.7 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 45.0 percent from the floor. He brought that momentum to the Rising Stars Tournament, leading the Carmelo Anthony-led team to a 65-60 victory over Team Austin in the semifinals.
While Dylan Harper stole the spotlight with the game-winning bucket, Bailey's defensive versatility was on full display throughout the evening. Team Melo ultimately fell short in the championship game and lost to Team Vince 25–24 after VJ Edgecombe iced the game at the free-throw line.
