Want to know why the Utah Jazz took a bold gamble on Ace Bailey? Despite his controversial pre-draft moves, the Jazz selected the Rutgers star at No. 5 in the 2025 NBA Draft.
The Jazz’s Big Swing on Bailey
Last night at Barclays Center, the Utah Jazz stunned the NBA world by drafting Rutgers forward Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick. The 6’7.5” wing, known for his explosive scoring and athletic flair, was a projected top-three talent but slid due to his refusal to work out or meet with teams, including Utah.
I was scrolling social media when the pick dropped, and Jazz fans were buzzing—some thrilled about landing a potential star, others worried about his reported reluctance to join the team. Despite the drama, Utah’s front office saw a chance to grab a game-changer for their 17-65 squad.
Bailey’s Pre-Draft Controversy
Bailey’s draft journey was anything but smooth. He skipped workouts and interviews with multiple teams, including the Jazz, Philadelphia 76ers, and Charlotte Hornets, reportedly aiming to land with East Coast teams like Washington or Brooklyn.
His camp’s bold strategy—declaring him a top-three talent—backfired, causing a slide to No. 5. A friend who follows the draft closely told me Bailey’s poker-faced reaction on TV sparked memes galore, with some fans joking he looked like he’d rather be anywhere but Utah. Yet, Jazz GM Austin Ainge called him a “high-ceiling player” whose skills outweigh the noise.
What Bailey Brings to Utah
At Rutgers, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks as a freshman, showcasing his midrange scoring and highlight-reel dunks. His 7-foot wingspan and 34.5-inch vertical make him a two-way threat, though his 34.6% three-point shooting and loose handle need work.
Imagine him catching a lob from Keyonte George or locking down wings with Walker Kessler behind him—that’s the vision. His 61 turnovers to 38 assists last season raised eyebrows, but Utah’s young core and coach Will Hardy’s system could polish his raw talent into something special.
Can Bailey Thrive in Salt Lake City?
The Jazz’s rebuild needs a spark, and Bailey could be it. He joins Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, and Kessler on a roster hungry for playoff contention. Despite his initial hesitation, Bailey told reporters he’s “for sure” ready to lead and push his teammates, even citing workouts with Giannis Antetokounmpo as prep for the NBA grind.
I’ve seen players like Brandon Miller turn early doubts into big wins with the right coaching—Hardy might do the same for Bailey. Still, his shot selection and maturity will be under scrutiny from day one.