Ace Bailey’s NBA career is officially underway — just not the way he envisioned. The 18-year-old standout from Rutgers made headlines in the weeks leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, not just for his performance on the court but for how he handled the pre-draft process. He chose not to meet with several teams, reportedly declined workouts, and publicly made it clear which franchises he wanted to join. The Utah Jazz weren’t on that list.
But draft night rarely goes according to script.
With the fifth overall pick, the Jazz selected Bailey, sending a ripple through the draft community and sparking plenty of online reaction. Bailey had named the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, and Brooklyn Nets as his preferred destinations — instead, he’s heading west to Salt Lake City.
Some fans saw it as poetic justice. Others questioned the strategy of trying to steer your landing spot without ever having played an NBA minute.
NBA draft analyst Jonathan Givony summed it up during the live broadcast: “Utah was not one of his preferred destinations… he was hoping to get to either Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn. A stunner — but if you think about it, this is an outstanding place for Ace Bailey.”
There’s no denying Bailey’s talent. At Rutgers, he averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. His athleticism, shot creation, and potential on both ends of the floor made him one of the most watched prospects in this year’s class.
And none of that mattered to Danny Ainge.
The Jazz executive has never been one to worry about media noise. When it came time to make a pick, Ainge and his front office went with the player they believed had the highest upside. Regardless of Bailey’s preferences, Utah saw him as a franchise cornerstone.
Veteran NBA players even weighed in. Philadelphia’s Paul George said Bailey “was in no position to control his journey without setting foot in the league.”
That may be true — but Bailey’s journey has now begun, whether it’s on his terms or not.
He’s expected to step into a major role right away. With Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and John Collins already in the frontcourt, the Jazz are retooling their roster to climb back into playoff contention. Bailey’s size and versatility make him an ideal piece in that puzzle.
There’s plenty of work ahead. Winning over a fan base that knows he didn’t want to be there is no easy task. Gaining the respect of his teammates — some of whom will have watched the drama unfold in real time — might take time. And with a Utah team looking to take a step forward after a frustrating 2024-25 campaign, the expectations will be high.
Bailey’s challenge is no longer about where he plays — it’s about who he becomes.
If he buys in, he could thrive in Utah’s system. There’s a clear opportunity to grow, to lead, and to prove that none of the headlines that came before draft night matter once the season begins.
This may not have been the destination he hoped for. But it just might be the one where he builds something lasting.
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