The pick ended weeks of speculation and intrigue surrounding his draft process. Ace Bailey’s journey to Salt Lake City was marked by strategic maneuvering, unexpected twists, and a public relations misstep that became one of the draft’s biggest talking points.

A chaotic Pre-Draft process

Bailey entered the draft as one of the most highly touted prospects, ranked as high as No. 3 on many expert boards and projected for much of the year to be a top-three pick. However, his pre-draft strategy raised eyebrows across the league.

Bailey and his camp reportedly declined workouts and meetings with several teams in the top five, including canceling a session with the Philadelphia 76ers, who held the No. 3 pick. According to multiple reports, Bailey preferred landing with the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets—teams holding picks 6, 7, and 8—rather than Utah or Charlotte.

Despite these efforts to steer his draft destination, the Jazz were undeterred. Utah selected Bailey at No. 5, ignoring the lack of a pre-draft workout and his stated preferences. Bailey admitted after the draft that he had “no idea” the Jazz would pick him and acknowledged Utah was not among his preferred destinations.

Ace Bailey’s fit with the Utah Jazz

While the process was rocky, Bailey now finds himself in a position to make an immediate impact. The Jazz, coming off a league-worst 17-65 season, are in dire need of offensive firepower and have ample opportunity for a young scorer to step in and contribute right away.

Bailey, who averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 46% shooting (34.6% from three) as a freshman at Rutgers, brings size (6-foot-9 in shoes), shot-making ability, and the potential to develop into a primary scoring option.

Utah’s president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, expressed confidence in Bailey’s fit with the team, emphasizing the organization’s excitement about his talent and potential. Bailey himself spoke of his work ethic and desire to push teammates, stating, “I want to come in and be a leader as a young cat.”

Draft slide and public perception

Bailey’s draft-night slide from a projected top-three pick to No. 5 was less about his basketball ability and more about the optics of his pre-draft maneuvering. Analysts widely viewed the episode as a “PR failure,” noting that his camp’s attempts to engineer a preferred landing spot backfired and may have cost him both draft position and public goodwill.

Nevertheless, Bailey’s raw talent and upside remain highly regarded, and Utah’s rebuilding roster could provide the ideal environment for his development.

As Bailey begins his NBA journey, the focus will shift from his draft saga to his on-court performance. If he can translate his scoring prowess and athleticism to the next level, the Jazz may have landed a foundational piece for their future.