Kevin Love has been in the NBA long enough to recognize early star potential, and in Utah, he sees it sitting right next to him. The five-time All-Star has taken Jazz rookie Ace Bailey under his wing, offering guidance from the moment he arrived in Salt Lake City this summer. And as Bailey begins finding his footing in the league, Love says the advice is simple: embrace the challenge.
Kevin Love Opens Up About His Mentorship Role for Ace Bailey
Speaking with RG.org, Love detailed the advice he’s been sharing with Bailey in their daily interactions.
“Just embrace the challenge and embrace being a rookie and understanding it’s going to be a steep learning curve,” Love said. “You’re so young, there’s gonna be a lot coming at you, there’s gonna be a lot of voices, but try and find ways to balance and center yourself.”
Love noted how much time the two have spent together already.
“I sit right next to him. Our lockers are right next to each other at the practice facility,” he said. “We get a lot of time together, we get a lot of face time together.”
There’s also a connection that goes beyond mentoring. Love and Bailey share the same draft slot — both were selected fifth overall, and it’s turned into their personal inside joke.
“We were both the fifth pick, so we have this nickname for each other, P5,” Love said. “I think that’ll just continue to grow as well.”
Meanwhile, Love believes Bailey is only beginning to tap into what he can become.
“I really see ways that I can help him,” he said. “I don’t want too many cooks in the kitchen right now. We have a small sample size of what he’s capable of with his first 20-point game last night. He started his first game a couple games ago. He’s only scratching the surface. The guy is 19 years old.”
Likewise, Love also reflected on how similar the rookie’s situation feels to his own early years.
“I came into the league at 19 and played my first game at 20, and it was a steep learning curve,” he said. “You have to go through it. You can’t shy away or skip steps. I truly believe he’s more than willing to do everything necessary to be great in this league.”
Utah Saw Scopes Beyond the Box Score While Bringing in Love
Love, entering his 18th NBA season, arrived in Utah via a July 2025 trade. He brought with him a championship pedigree, 18 years of locker-room experience, and résumés from Minnesota, Cleveland, and Miami.
The Jazz’s front office — specifically head coach Will Hardy and team president Austin Ainge targeted him for that veteran presence.
His numbers so far are modest: 4.9 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists in 14.1 minutes across seven games.
But the Jazz didn’t acquire him for box scores. They brought him in to stabilize a young locker room, guide their rising players and, most importantly, support the development of their prized rookie.
Bailey, the No. 5 pick in the 2025 draft, entered the league with as much buzz as any prospect. That included the pre-draft controversy where his camp reportedly preferred he avoid top-five teams and pushed for destinations like Washington. Utah drafted him anyway.
Even with early foul trouble and typical rookie inconsistencies, Bailey has already shown flashes. The former Rutgers star is averaging 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists while shooting 41.4% from the field.
Love sees a foundation the Jazz can build around. And Utah, currently 5–8 in the standings, believes Bailey’s development, combined with the veteran mentorship around him, is central to the long-term plan.
The Jazz will continue their season Tuesday night when they face the Los Angeles Lakers on Nov. 18.
