In one of the early surprises of the NBA Draft, the Utah Jazz could not pass up the opportunity to select Rutgers forward Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick. Reportedly, Utah was not on Bailey’s list of preferred destinations, as he declined to work out for any teams in hopes of potentially slipping outside the top five and landing in Washington or Brooklyn.
The Jazz took him nonetheless, and so far, reactions have been mixed, with many appearing both stunned and slightly concerned.
Jazz Fans Stunned by Ace Bailey Selection Despite Star Potential
The scoring wing, who averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds for Rutgers, was widely viewed as having star potential in the right situation. The Jazz are banking on developing that talent.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, Bailey did not want to go to Utah, but the Jazz “drafted him anyway.” His facial expression upon hearing his name called seemed to reflect that sentiment.
One fan could only express his “state of shock” at the selection.
Shock. State of shock.
— Utah Fan (@utesandthings) June 26, 2025
Another fan was not optimistic about Bailey’s interest in staying with the franchise long-term: “He is gonna want out.”
Others focused on the upside, despite the circumstances. One fan posted: “A little nervous. But great value at 5. I like that we picked someone with huge upside.”
A little nervous. But great value at 5. I like that we picked someone with huge upside.
— C Rad Stu (@cstutz77) June 26, 2025
Another fan appreciated that the Jazz took a homerun swing with their pick: Excellent, you had to swing for the fences here regardless of how it works out.”
Some fans expressed concern about Bailey’s perceived attitude or lack of interest in Utah. One wrote: “Were plans made with the Jazz/Ainge which made him not wanna work out with anyone? His attitude scares me.” Another expressed worry about his reported lack of interest in the Jazz: “Don’t love hearing that he didn’t want to be here.”
Upon his selection, when interviewed by Monica McNutt, he said he was “for sure” ready to go to Utah. He benefited from working out with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo pre-draft, and when asked by McNutt if he was ready to use the moves he learned from the two-time MVP, he declared with confidence: “For sure. I got some more stuff for him too!”
Jazz fans may find optimism in that interview — and in Bailey’s apparent willingness to put pre-draft speculation aside and embrace the opportunity to become the franchise’s next star.
