The Utah Jazz are planning to keep Ace Bailey.
The franchise selected the Rutgers star with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA draft after a bizarre draft process where he refused to work out for teams. Bailey even cancelled a planned workout with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The explosive shot-maker was one of the most talented players in the draft, but turned off some in NBA circles with the way he handled himself before the draft. He tried to steer his way to the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans or Brooklyn Nets, and the Jazz knew they were not on his list of preferred destinations. They drafted him anyway.
Now the Jazz say they plan to keep Bailey despite not being one of the spots he preferred to play for. ESPN's Jonathan Givony reports the team has no plans to move its newest player.
This is a bold move from the Jazz's new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge. It's a roll of the dice that could turn into a huge win if Bailey buys in.
As a freshman at Rutgers during the 2024-25 season, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Utah Jazz Plan to Keep Ace Bailey After Bold Decision to Draft Rutgers Star.