I am unimpressed by Tumpy's appointments, other than Gorsuch, who has surprised me greatly.
But for the topic at hand... It must be understood that ACB is the junior-most justice, and as such may be acting in the Court's favor, where the Court wishes to convey a decision that suggests unity instead of voting down party lines. Enough votes for the decision, and the wildcard may be used to fend off the idea that it was a partisan vote.
And that's a fair thing to do. And the only way we'll know that was the case is if ACB moves rightward in decisions after a new junior right-leaning judge is installed.
Not sayin. Jussayin.