There’s a significant issue when players try to navigate the draft process: the teams control the situation.
On Wednesday night, Ace Bailey’s attempts to steer his selection towards Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn took a wrong turn when the Jazz picked him fifth in the 2025 NBA Draft, as reported by Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
The Jazz intend to keep Bailey, although, per Givony, those weren’t exactly his top choices.
Givony remarked, “[Utah] wasn’t one of his favorite destinations… He was hoping for either Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn… It’s surprising, but considering it, Utah could actually be a strong place for Ace Bailey.”
He added, “The Jazz understood that and made their pick.” Many users on X observed that Bailey didn’t seem particularly thrilled about ending up in Utah.
After the draft, Bailey commented, “I control what I can control. How they feel, that’s on them. My focus is on basketball and what my team is doing.”
Prospect rankings had many viewing him as the third best player available, but his decision not to engage with specific teams turned him into something of a wild card in this draft.
Only U.S.-based prospect, Bailey skipped an opportunity with the 76ers, the team holding the third pick, which opened the door for his drop in the draft.
His representatives were interested in securing a “clear path to stardom,” which explained his absence from the 76ers meeting given their deep roster.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo noted, “Bailey has been sliding on many boards and seems less than enthusiastic about Utah, which most teams view as a risky choice.” Despite the buzz around him, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge decided to select Bailey.
“There’s only so much the agent can manage in this situation,” Givony said. “Once the NBA team chooses to go with Ace Bailey, that’s what happens.” Following the announcement of his selection, some users on X remarked on Bailey’s somewhat disheartened appearance.
Comments like “Ace Bailey looks like he’s going to cry after being picked by the Jazz,” and “He looks really sad about being drafted by Utah,” suggested he wasn’t jumping for joy.
There might’ve been some doubt, but Givony believes Utah could be a solid fit for Bailey. “It’s a surprise, yet when you think about it, it’s a good opportunity for Ace. The Jazz have a need for players like him and a strong coaching staff. I think he’ll quickly bounce back and realize he’s in a great position with the Utah Jazz.”
