Trae Young's Wizards Debut Excites Fans About Future Despite Loss to Ace Bailey, Jazz

The Trae Young era began for the Washington Wizards on Thursday night, albeit in fairly modest terms.

The star point guard scored 12 points and added six assists in 19 minutes during Washington's 122-112 loss against the Utah Jazz.

Utah rookie Ace Bailey led all scorers with 32 points, while Isaiah Collier added 27 points and 11 assists.

For the 16-46 Wizards it was the best of all worlds—another loss to keep their lottery odds high, but a chance for fans to finally see Young in action, albeit on a minutes restriction.

There is naturally excitement about the what the Wizards might be with a pairing of Young and Anthony Davis, along with their promising young core and the possibility of adding a player like AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson or Cam Boozer to it in June.

But even before he stepped on the court, Young's presence was impactful for the Wizards.

"He's talking to everybody in every timeout," Wizards coach Brian Keefe told reporters this week. "He sees so much. He has so much stuff to share. He's completely engaged in the ‌whole ⁠game."

Excitement is high in Washington, especially after a first taste of Young in action.