Utah Jazz rookie forward Ace Bailey got to play against his favorite player, Kevin Durant, over the past week. Bailey had his preseason debut against the Houston Rockets and had a decent game. He led the Jazz with 25 points in 68% shooting. Although he matched up against one of the best scorers in the NBA, the former Rutgers star was able to hold his own.
Fans were excited to see Bailey play in the NBA for the first time. After all, he was the No. 5 pick of the 2025 draft. Also, he was one of the most dynamic scorers during his time in college. As a result, he was likened to two famous players who are renowned for their ability to score points: Durant and Tracy McGrady.
After the game, Bailey was asked by the media about his thoughts on facing his favorite player. The 6-foot-9 forward kept it short and was honest about his reflection on playing against KD.
“Unreal,” Bailey said.
According to the 19-year-old, it’s something that he’s dreamed of for a long time.
“It’s something I imagined since I was a little boy, just playing against my favorite player. Scoring 25, that was a bonus. I ain’t expect that to happen. I went out there, I had fun. Played the game I played. I mean, just the next level– a little more faster, a little more physical.”
“But it was fun out there playing with KD. I watched everything he do, from like, the spin-around fade. I did the same thing coming back. It was great.”
A clip of Kevin Durant allegedly talking trash to the Jazz forward went viral online.
KD to Ace Bailey:
“You’re new here. You brand new here boy. Why yo a** talkin… sit your a** down.”
(h/t @Fullcourtpass) pic.twitter.com/KPpoFgCqDn
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) October 9, 2025
It was later debunked and proven that KD wasn’t talking trash to the youngster.
Kevin Durant shared his thoughts on Ace Bailey
Kevin Durant doesn’t hold back with his feedback and thoughts on things. After their matchup, the media were curious to know about his thoughts on the young wing player. KD was honest with his feedback about Bailey and revealed that he believes in his potential.
“(He is a) dynamic player,” Durant told reporters. “I think he is going to be a hell of a player. I love the coaching staff that he is with. I love that he got drafted to Utah. They got a good development program over there. I’m looking forward to seeing how he progresses. I’m expecting a big year from him and a big career from him. Tonight, he showed us what he can do.”
Kevin Durant on Ace Bailey tonight ⬇️
“Dynamic player… I love that he got drafted to Utah, they got a good development program over there… I’m expecting a big year from him and a big career”#TakeNote | #JazzNation pic.twitter.com/yNlt4H2wTw
— SleeperJazz (@SleeperJazz) October 9, 2025
During Bailey’s time in college, he appeared in 30 games. In that span, the young forward showcased his scoring abilities. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 46% shooting from the field.
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen on Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.
