NBA Draft Surprise: Ace Bailey Selected by Utah Jazz Despite Reported Intentions

Despite rumors that his representatives advised a top-five NBA team that he would refuse to report if drafted, Ace Bailey was selected fifth overall by the Utah Jazz. League sources indicated that Bailey’s camp, led by Omar Cooper, suggested he might not join the team if chosen early in the draft. However, the Jazz went ahead and picked him, citing Bailey’s high ceiling and the team’s need for talented players.

Bailey, a 6’8″ wing, was considered a top contender for a top-three pick throughout the year due to his impressive athleticism, versatile scoring ability, and college statistics—averaging 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game with a 36.7% three-point shooting percentage. Some scouts, however, expressed concerns over whether he would develop into a consistent NBA contributor, partly due to his unconventional pre-draft strategy of avoiding workouts and some confusion regarding his process.

His agent defended the pre-draft approach, stating that Bailey underwent extensive evaluations and interviews, including 18 interviews in Chicago, and no unusual procedures took place.

At the draft, Bailey remained confident, emphasizing that his focus was on basketball regardless of his draft position or the pre-draft speculation. “They feel how they feel,” he said. “But my team and I are focused on basketball and let things happen as they will.”

If reports about his representatives’ messages are correct, Bailey’s options were limited. He could refuse to report to the team that drafted him, but he cannot return to college or play professionally overseas without losing his draft rights. To join another team, he would need to sit out for a year and re-enter the draft, which involves considerable uncertainty regarding future draft orders and team priorities.

Bailey is expected to make his debut with the Jazz during the Utah Summer League starting on July 5 in Salt Lake City.