Ace Bailey Addresses Utah Transition

Ace Bailey put an end to speculation this past Sunday regarding the willingness of Rutgers’ players to join the Utah Jazz.

As the fifth overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Bailey spoke at a press conference in Salt Lake City. He conveyed his appreciation by mentioning how “blessed” he felt to be there.

When asked if he had any doubts about joining the Jazz, Bailey firmly said, “No.”

He elaborated, “Not at all. I feel fortunate to be in this position. Not many get to sit where I am and have such fantastic teammates.”

ESPN had earlier reported that the Jazz wasn’t exactly a top choice for Bailey, even suggesting he might not report if drafted by them. There was quite a bit of attention on Bailey leading up to the draft, and it appeared he was weighing his options seriously.

Interestingly, he also canceled his training session with the 76ers, who had the third overall pick. But everything seems to have turned around since he arrived in Utah over the weekend. According to a report from the Salt Lake City Tribune, Bailey, along with his representatives and the Jazz front office, is settling in well.

Bailey expressed his excitement about his new surroundings, mentioning the scenic beauty of the city. “Honestly, when I got off the plane, I couldn’t believe the mountains were real,” he said. “The view was breathtaking. Meeting the coach right away was just the cherry on top.”

Looking ahead, Bailey is set to compete in the Salt Lake City Summer League from July 5 to 8, followed by the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas starting July 10. He feels confident about showcasing his skills with the Jazz, emphasizing that he intends to “trust my work.”

“I’ve got great energy,” Bailey noted. “I can contribute in many ways—from rebounding and defense to scoring. I believe I can bring a lot to the table.”