Leading up to the draft, Rutgers star Ace Bailey surprised many throughout the league when he purposefully held out of workouts in hopes of not being drafted in the Top 5.
Videos by FanBuzz
Ace Bailey’s camp has also let it be known they do not want to be drafted by the Hornets or Jazz, per @DraftExpress (https://t.co/nvRFSaRnUL).
Bailey is trying to force his way to a preferred destination outside the top-five. pic.twitter.com/JPgUS5UeSm
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 25, 2025
Yet, that didn't stop the Utah Jazz from selecting Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Then the Jazz drafted him…what weird start to an nba career
— Bettor Be Good (@bettorbegood) June 26, 2025
Why Ace Bailey look like he about to cry
He does NOT want to be in Utah 😭 pic.twitter.com/tg6vmvpm2B
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) June 26, 2025
One fan on X wrote, "This is suppose to be the happiest day of Ace Bailey's life but he's SICK he got drafted to Utah lmaoo."
Ace Bailey looks like he’s about to cry 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/uUSv48PJqb
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 26, 2025
All in all, the dynamic shot creator was selected by CEO Danny Ainge and head coach Austin Ainge for a reason, as he can definitely score in bunches, putting up 17.6 points on 34% 3-PT shooting during his one-and-done college season.
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony is reporting that Ace Bailey did not want to go to Utah, but they “drafted him anyway”. pic.twitter.com/AUK34MFbrs
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) June 26, 2025
Seemingly, a lot of Utah fans are happy with the pick, as one user on X wrote ahead of the draft, "Idgaf if Ace Bailey cancelled that work out. Draft that [man] against his will."
How the Utah Jazz gonna treat Ace Bailey in practice when he tells them he didn't wanna be there pic.twitter.com/U7gOUaFAb4
— Russ' TD ⚡ (@RussFcb) June 26, 2025
On the other hand, some fans are worried they are not getting a "team-first player," as after all Bailey let it be known he doesn't even want to be there.
"If I'm a Jazz fan, I'm not running out to get an Ace Bailey jersey today."@ZaslowShow and @JoeFortenbaugh on Utah drafting Bailey 😳 https://t.co/xasHg2UVfx pic.twitter.com/vwOqiSSegB
— ESPN Radio (@ESPNRadio) June 26, 2025
In view of the young Jazz squad, there was already a lot of potential heading into next season with a solid frontcourt: Walker Kessler, John Collins, Lauri Markkanen, and Kyle Filipowski.
While the backcourt consists of Collin Sexton, Jordan Clarkson with young up-and-coming stars such as Isaiah Collier and Keyonte George.
Ace Bailey on going to Utah jazz:
"I can control what I can control. They feel how they feel. But my team and me, me focusing on basketball and them doing what they're doing, so it happens" 👀 pic.twitter.com/Zd2dPoerwm
— Iseh (@IsehReports) June 26, 2025
Related: Fans Shocked By 'Rigged' NBA Draft Lottery
