In a surprising move, the Utah Jazz selected Rutgers forward Ace Bailey as the 5th overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, catching many off guard including Bailey himself who had not anticipated landing with the Jazz. Despite not being among his preferred destinations, Bailey is eager to make an impact with his new team and is confident in his ability to mesh well with his new teammates. With his impressive shotmaking skills and potential as a big wing, Bailey is poised to be a key player for the Jazz as they look to rebuild under the guidance of coach Will Hardy.
Bailey's draft night was shrouded in mystery as he had not participated in any pre-draft workouts with NBA teams, leading to speculation about his preferred destination. While initially projected to go in the top three, Bailey's slide down the draft order culminated in the Jazz taking a gamble on the talented yet unproven prospect. With plenty of room for growth and development, Bailey now looks forward to proving his worth on the court as he embarks on his NBA journey, ready to contribute to Utah's quest for success in the league.