Ace Bailey reveals Devin Booker provided ‘Welcome to the NBA’ moment

ByNBAUSA



Utah Jazz newcomer Ace Bailey he may be flying through his first professional season with gravity-defying accentsbut even the league’s brightest young stars must eventually humble themselves.

During the Rising Stars media availability at the Intuit Dome on Friday night, 19-year-old striker he finally spilled his official “Welcome to the NBA” moment. Not surprisingly, it featured one of the deadliest scoring machines in the league: the Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker.

The moment was a simple, cold-blooded masterclass in the midrange. Bailey explained that trying to guard a four-time All-Star scenario is a nightmare for any defender, let alone a rookie.

He noted that when it comes to Devin Booker, you’re dealing with a signature shot that’s almost impossible to stop without fouling. Bailey jokingly recalled thinking, “Brother, come on,” as he realized the level of difficulty which he now faced on a nightly basis.

Bailey, who filled in for an injured Cooper Flagg on Team Melo in the Rising Stars game, certainly played to his credit. Over the last 15 games, the fifth overall pick is averaging 11.7 points and 3.9 rebounds while shooting 45.0 percent from the floor. He carried that momentum into the Rising Stars tournament, helping the Carmelo Anthony-led team to a 65-60 victory over Austin in the semifinals.

While Dylan Harper grabbed the headlines with game-winning plays, Bailey’s defensive versatility was on full display throughout the evening. Team Melo ended up falling short in the championship game, losing 25-24 to Team Vince after VJ Edgecombe iced the game at the free throw line.





2026-02-14 04:18:00

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