The No. 1 reason why Jazz kept Kevin Love has become painfully obvious

The Utah Jazz retained Kevin Love when many thought his buyout was inevitable. It is confirmed that they kept him because of the veteran presence he brings. When Walker Kessler was ruled out for the season, they suddenly needed him for more. However, it has become quite clear that Love has been brought in as the role model they need for Ace Bailey.

Love has already gone out of his way to praise Bailey for what the future holds for him. However, more evidence is emerging that suggests the future Hall of Famer took the child under his wing. Just look at how these two interact before the Jazz play.

As if that weren’t enough, Love has once again not minced words lately when it comes to Bailey’s future in the NBA. Not only did he praise his talent, but Love made it clear that Bailey’s versatile game and mentality is truly unique for someone his age.

“He’s just so talented and he hasn’t even scratched the surface yet,” Love said Sarah Todd of the Deseret News. “There’s so many things he does that you just say, ‘Wow,’ and you understand why he was so highly touted when he came out as an 18-year-old. His making plays, his passing, it’s all so natural to him. And as he continues to cut film, stay in the gym and keep working, you’re just going to see more and more.”

As the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft 17 years before Bailey was, Love knows what it was like for him to enter the NBA with high expectations. Since Love lived up to expectations, it makes sense that he would pay special attention to someone like Bailey who has the talent to be as good as Love ever was.

This is a crucial ingredient for Ace Bailey’s development

All young players need that veteran who will not only believe in them, but show them the ropes so they can become the players their teams think they are. It’s not that love is necessarily the most crucial ingredient for Bailey to become a star, but it’s certainly useful.

Not all young players needed a former star to guide them on their NBA journey, but that doesn’t mean having one is a bad thing. Young players have even expressed how much they appreciate having a veteran by their side in the early days. The best example of this is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Chris Paul having one season in Oklahoma City. SGA may have become all-time anyway, but Paul has certainly refined his skills.

No one knows if Love will remain a Jazzman this season, but if he does, it wouldn’t surprise anyone if the reason for that lies in what he does for Bailey.