Ace Bailey, selected in the fifth position of the NBA Draft, is scheduled to join the Utah Jazz this Saturday, as confirmed by a team representative. The news ends the uncertainty generated after the pre-draft process.
The Jazz representative also added that this plan extends to the other rookies on the team, Walter Clayton and John Tonje, who will return home to collect their belongings before traveling to the summer league from Salt Lake City. Bailey’s pre-draft strategy was a topic of great interest, especially after canceling a visit to the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the third pick. Bailey was the only American player who did not make any visits or workouts with NBA teams before the draft. He also declined invitations from the Charlotte Hornets and the Jazz, who selected him in positions 4 and 5 respectively. Sources close to Bailey indicated that these teams were not his preferred destinations, suggesting Washington, with the sixth selection, as a possible option. Omar Cooper, Bailey’s agent, defended his client’s actions, arguing that they remained within the usual parameters.“We have maintained good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives. We feel good about everything. Ace and his family will come to Utah tomorrow. We will have a press conference on Sunday and a training session on Monday.”
Utah Jazz Representative
Bailey, considered a high-level prospect, generated debate among NBA teams throughout the season. Standing at 6’9″ and with promising shooting ability, he has the potential to become a key scorer. Although his scoring efficiency and development as a ball-handler and passer are areas for improvement. “It’s great. We got to talk to him. He was very excited. We’re very excited. We expect a very bright future. His scoring gets a lot of attention, and rightfully so. He’s very skilled for his size. But watching a lot of film on him, I was impressed with his defensive effort and, in particular, his rebounding. A lot of blocked shots on the weak side, and his joy and energy for the game. We do a lot of checking calls and work on players, and everyone loves being around Ace.”“Every NBA team watched him work out in Chicago. He did 18 interviews. They all got his medical history. They saw him run and jump. They got his measurements. They saw him shoot in drills. There’s nothing unusual about how Ace Bailey’s pre-draft process was handled.”
Omar Cooper, Ace Bailey’s agent
