NBA Preseason Roundup: Bailey Impresses in Jazz Debut, Knicks Embrace Brown’s System, Tate Eyes Oct. 21 Return
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Salt Lake City — Rookie guard Ace Bailey wasted no time making an impact in his first NBA game, scoring 25 points on 11-of-16 shooting as the Utah Jazz opened the preseason against the Houston Rockets. The No. 5 overall pick added six rebounds, three assists and two steals, drawing praise from Houston star Kevin Durant.
“Dynamic player. I think he’s going to be a hell of a player,” Durant said, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. “Utah’s development program is strong, and I’m expecting a big year and a big career from him.”
Bailey, 19, joins a young Utah core that already features Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George. Despite his performance, the Jazz fell to the Rockets in the exhibition.
Knicks Adjusting to Mike Brown
New York — The Knicks continue to learn the schemes of new head coach Mike Brown, and early indications point to solid buy-in. Forward Mikal Bridges said Brown and his assistants “run a tight ship,” noting that the staff’s consistent messaging has helped players grasp the system.
Brown reiterated that preseason results are secondary to developing good habits. “Right now, I don’t care if we win or lose, as long as we keep trying to play the right way,” he told reporters. Emphasizing pace, spacing and quick decisions, Brown said he wants his team to “shoot it, pass it, [or] snap drive it” whenever the ball arrives.
Tate Targets Season Opener
Houston — Rockets forward JaeSean Tate has missed the club’s first preseason games while recovering from offseason surgery to repair an ankle impingement, but he is aiming to return for Houston’s Oct. 21 opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
“I feel like I’ve been on a leg and a half the last couple of years,” Tate said, adding that he is taking his rehab “day by day” and looks forward to moving without discomfort. Head coach Ime Udoka noted that Tate is slightly ahead of teammate Dorian Finney-Smith on the recovery timeline, and both are expected to play significant defensive roles.
Tate re-signed with Houston on a one-year contract this summer and said he never seriously considered departing. “I believe in the staff, I believe in everything here,” he said. “It wouldn’t sit right with me to leave, especially now, with the pieces we’ve added.”
Source: Hoops Wire
