Ace Bailey is the identify that has made many headlines since ending the NCAA season with Rutgers.
He carried out brilliantly in school, averaged over 17 factors within the sport and proved to be among the best scorers within the 2025 draft class.
Within the ESPN Mock draft, he got here third general for the Philadelphia 76ers, however now he has the Utah Jazz, who had the fifth decide, slipped some positions.
Philadelphia seemed intently at him and invited Ace Bailey to affix for the motion, however he canceled it and compelled him to maneuver to a different staff.
Groups like Brooklynnet, Washington Wizard and New Orleans Pelican had been anticipated to be drafted if he fell low that day, however the Jazz determined to decide on Bailey regardless of clearly not desirous to be within the franchise.
ESPN Insider expressed his ideas on the scenario and elicited this comparability with Steph Curry’s draft course of and Warriors.
Curry was drafted by the Golden State Warriors because the seventh general decide within the 2009 NBA Draft.
However even his father, Del Curry and the 3-point king himself needed to go to the New York Knicks, the place he had his eighth decide within the draft.
They even denied coaching with the Warriors, however the franchise ended up drafting him, and the remainder is historical past.
Spears in contrast the curry scenario to Bailey. Bailey did not wish to be chosen for jazz.
He tweeted.
“Stef additionally didn’t train for the soldiers.
Spears added to this by saying:
Ace Bailey’s present sport does not resemble Curry, however he has a greater popularity from school than the four-time NBA champion.
His skill to attain in any respect ranges helped him examine with some elite gamers. So the staff was prepared to surrender the participant for him.
At a Draft Day press convention, Bailey mentioned he targeted on taking part in basketball and let the staff make different selections.
| season | level | rebound | block | Area objective share | 3 factors% |
| 2024-25 | 17.6 | 7.2 | 1.3 | 46% | 36% |
In accordance with NBA insider Shams Charania, Bailey will not be able to be with the Jazz, however the rookie has no selection.
He performs for a younger staff coached by proficient Will Hardy. Will Hardy did an unbelievable job with the gamers that they had at their disposal.
The staff is anticipated to maneuver a number of the star gamers, together with Colin Sexton and John Collins.
He’s already turning into some of the talked about rookies. So when the season provides hints in October, all eyes flip to him.
