Ace Bailey Changes Representation After Unexpected Draft
Utah Jazz rookie forward Ace Bailey has decided to part ways with his representative, Omar Cooper, and is in the process of seeking new representation, according to sources confirmed to Alofoke Deportes this Wednesday.
Bailey, selected fifth overall in the draft by the Jazz, made this decision after an unusual selection process. As reported in June, his representatives informed a team within the top five picks that they did not want him selected and that he would not show up if that happened.
At the time, it was believed that Bailey and his team were hoping to guide him to the Washington Wizards, who had the sixth pick. However, Utah, in the first draft led by new basketball operations president Austin Ainge, selected Bailey with the fifth pick, opening a brief period of uncertainty about whether he would show up.
The former Rutgers star finally showed up without any issues and participated in the summer league games with the Jazz.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds for Rutgers and is expected to compete for a starting position in Jazz coach Will Hardy’s lineup.
The news of Bailey and Cooper’s separation was initially reported by The Athletic.
