The Utah Jazz made perhaps the boldest move of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, selecting Rutgers star Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick. It wasn’t just the talent that made headlines, but the controversy too.
Bailey reportedly didn’t work out with any team, including several teams that were picking at the top of the draft, like the Jazz. However, that didn’t stop Utah from gambling on his potential star power. A risky pick on paper, but potentially a franchise-changing one if Bailey delivers on his elite scoring promise.
Despite Snub, Jazz Go All-In on Ace Bailey at No. 5
The Jazz were looking for a potential franchise cornerstone and came away with one of the most electric but possibly enigmatic prospects in the class in Bailey. The former Rutgers freshman, who averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his lone collegiate season, was taken with the No. 5 pick despite refusing to work out or interview with any NBA team leading up to the draft.
That list reportedly included the Jazz themselves, yet Utah showed no hesitation. For a franchise that has been deep into a rebuild since trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Bailey represents hope. An explosive wing who could finally lift them from the cellar of the Western Conference after a 17-65 season this year.
Ace Bailey is Utah bound 🔥 pic.twitter.com/SatuMiGPv7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) June 26, 2025
Bailey’s pre-draft decisions raised eyebrows across the league. Just days before the draft, he remained the only U.S.-based prospect who hadn’t visited any team. His agent reportedly preferred an East Coast team, a stance that may have contributed to his drop from top-three status.
At the end of the college season, Bailey was widely seen as a lock for the No. 3 pick. But as the draft neared, his stock slipped. On draft day, Baylor standout VJ Edgecombe was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3 instead. Bailey slid, but his fall stopped at No. 5.
Despite the uncertainty, his talent was never in doubt. A dominant shot-maker with elite midrange ability and slashing skills, Bailey was one of college basketball’s most dangerous offensive threats. He also showed flashes of two-way potential, with averages of 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.
The flaws are there, too. His handle can be loose, and he’ll need to improve his playmaking and consistency at the next level. But he’s an athletic marvel, and he’s been on NBA radars for years. Bailey joins a young Jazz core that includes Lauri Markkanen, Collin Sexton, Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler. Utah’s front office appears ready to leave the tanking era behind.
