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[Saba Sports News] The Utah Jazz made one of the most surprising moves of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, selecting Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick—a decision ESPN draft analyst Jonathan Givony called a “stunner.”
Bailey, a former Rutgers freshman, reportedly did not work out for any NBA teams leading up to the draft, making him the only U.S.-based prospect to skip the pre-draft process. According to Givony, Bailey had hoped to be drafted by Brooklyn, New Orleans, or Washington.
“This is a little of a stunner,” Givony said on the broadcast.
Despite Bailey’s apparent lack of interest in Utah, many believe the Jazz could still be a solid fit for the young forward. The team is in the middle of a rebuild after finishing with a league-worst 17-65 record last season.
Bailey’s body language after the pick led some to believe he wasn’t thrilled about the destination, but new Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge doesn’t seem concerned with player preferences.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his lone college season at Rutgers. Whether the Jazz keep him or explore trade options remains to be seen.