Utah Jazz Take Ace Bailey Despite Pre-Draft Drama: What Does It Signal?

By Edcel Panganiban June 29, 2025 14:09

The 2025 NBA Draft brought a whirlwind of intrigue surrounding Rutgers standout Ace Bailey, who was ultimately selected fifth overall by the Utah Jazz. Bailey’s pre-draft process was anything but conventional he notably skipped workouts with any NBA team and reportedly expressed preferences for only three teams, none of which included Utah. Despite this, the Jazz pulled the trigger on him with the No. 5 pick, a decision that has sparked widespread discussion about what it means for both Bailey and the Jazz moving forward.

The Unusual Pre-Draft Saga

Ace Bailey’s draft journey was marked by a rare level of player agency and uncertainty. Reports surfaced that Bailey’s representatives advised at least one top-five team not to draft him, warning that Bailey might refuse to report if selected by certain franchises. While the specific team that received this guidance remains undisclosed, it was clear Utah was not among Bailey’s preferred destinations. In fact, Bailey himself admitted post-draft that he had “no idea” the Jazz were interested in him and responded calmly when asked about the situation: “I control what I control. How they feel is how they feel.”

Despite the rocky pre-draft relations, Utah’s front office remained resolute. Newly appointed President of Basketball Operations Austin Ainge expressed enthusiasm about Bailey’s talent, emphasizing his scoring ability, defensive tenacity, and rebounding prowess. “He’s fantastic,” Ainge said. “His scoring draws significant attention, and rightly so. He is exceptionally skilled for his height. After reviewing a lot of film, I was particularly impressed with his defensive tenacity and rebounding.”

What the Jazz Are Betting On

The Jazz’s decision to draft Bailey despite the uncertainty signals a commitment to long-term upside over short-term comfort. Coming off a dismal 65-loss season, Utah needed a player with All-Star potential to help reshape the franchise’s future. Bailey, standing 6-foot-9 and regarded as one of the best shooters in the draft, fits that profile. His combination of size, shooting, and athleticism makes him a rare prospect capable of impacting both ends of the floor.

Avery Bradley, Utah’s vice president of player development, downplayed the pre-draft noise, stating, “Ace’s dream was to be drafted, and he feels fortunate to have been chosen by the Utah Jazz. We are thrilled to have him, eager to welcome him into our family, and excited for him to demonstrate his skills.”

Bailey’s shooting ability aligns well with head coach Will Hardy’s system, which emphasizes ball movement and off-ball shooting traits that helped Lauri Markkanen flourish in Utah. As one analyst noted, Bailey is “arguably among the top two shotmakers in this draft class,” with the height and athleticism to shoot over defenders and the work ethic to develop further.

What This Means Moving Forward

Bailey’s arrival in Utah on June 28, after some delay, was met with cautious optimism. While the initial drama raised questions about his commitment, the Jazz appear confident that Bailey will embrace the opportunity. The team reportedly has no intention of trading him, signaling a belief that he will be a cornerstone of their rebuild.

For Bailey, the Jazz offer a platform to make an immediate impact, potentially earning a starting role at small forward or shooting guard. The organization’s top-tier facilities and supportive environment may help ease his transition and maximize his potential.

The Utah Jazz’s selection of Ace Bailey despite pre-draft hesitations underscores their focus on talent and fit over short-term uncertainty. While Bailey’s draft process was unconventional, the alignment between his skill set and Utah’s system offers a promising foundation. As Avery Bradley put it, “There will always be external noise,” but the Jazz are ready to build around Bailey’s undeniable upside.

This bold move signals Utah’s intent to accelerate their rebuild with a player who, despite initial reluctance, could become a franchise cornerstone and fan favorite in the years to come.