Ace Bailey Selected 5th Overall by Utah Jazz in 2025 NBA Draft

SALT LAKE CITY — Ace Bailey, a forward from Rutgers University, has been selected 5th overall by the Utah Jazz in the 2025 NBA Draft, a decision that surprised many analysts who had anticipated him as a top-three pick. Bailey's selection reflects the Jazz's confidence in his potential, despite a somewhat controversial pre-draft process involving limited workouts.

During a press conference following the draft, Bailey expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the Jazz, stating, "Just blessed to be in the position I am." His enthusiasm remained intact, despite having canceled workouts with teams such as the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets. Bailey, who averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his freshman season at Rutgers, is noted for his versatile offensive skills, including shooting off the dribble and attacking the paint.

Austin Ainge, president of basketball operations for the Jazz, highlighted Bailey as part of a targeted strategy to bring in players with both high potential and character. Ainge stated, "This is a dream scenario for us. These are guys we targeted before the draft with high potential and high character, and we couldn’t be more excited."

Bailey’s performance at Rutgers showcased his ability to stretch defenses, evidenced by a 34.6% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. However, concerns regarding his scoring efficiency and maturity contributed to his draft position falling below expectations.

In his own words, Bailey remarked, "I got great energy. I can do everything from rebounding to defense to scoring to passing. So I can say I can bring it a lot in different ways." His commitment to improvement is clear as he stated, "I trust my work. I (put in) countless hours in the gym with everything that I do. So I trust it. Everybody makes mistakes. God didn’t put us here to be perfect."

The 2025 NBA Draft presented several surprises and strategic moves, with Bailey's selection being among the most discussed. The Jazz, who also picked Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18 and John Tonje at No. 53, are optimistic that this new influx of talent will enhance their competitive edge in the league. As the season approaches, both Bailey and the Jazz organization are poised for a pivotal year, with expectations set high for the young forward’s impact on the court.

Looking ahead, the Jazz's strategy appears focused on developing a core of versatile players capable of both offensive and defensive contributions. This approach aligns with modern NBA trends emphasizing multidimensional skill sets among players. Bailey’s adaptation to the professional level will be closely monitored as the Jazz seek to improve upon their previous season's performance and build a foundation for future success.