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Par Joël Pütz | Journaliste sportif
Ace Bailey was the subject of a fair amount of controversy leading up to the draft, having refused numerous workouts. However, joining the Jazz wasn’t really in his plans… something the franchise didn’t really care about.
Normally, being drafted is a source of joy for players. Especially when you land in the top five… And yet, Ace Bailey wasn’t exactly smiling when Adam Silver called him onstage after being drafted by the Jazz. The prodigy was dismayed:
Ace Bailey looks like he’s about to cry 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/uUSv48PJqb
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 26, 2025
Jazz and Ace Bailey’s complicated beginning of relationship
It seems clear that the former Rutgers player had no desire to land in Utah next season. In fact, it wasn’t really a secret, since Bailey had clearly positioned himself on the franchises he had in his sights, refusing to workout with practically anyone. Insiders and experts were unanimous on this subject before and during the draft:
Evan Sidery: Ace Bailey’s camp has also let it be known they do not want to be drafted by the Hornets or Jazz, per Jonathan Givony. Bailey is trying to force his way to a preferred destination outside the top-five.
Jonathan Givony: This was not one of his preferred destinations… Utah… He was hoping to get to either Washington, New Orleans or Brooklyn.
The future rookie will therefore have to launch his career in an environment that doesn’t excite him, and in a franchise whose prospects he doesn’t appreciate. The latter, however, didn’t really care about that, since new GM Austin Ainge intended to select the player he wanted, regardless of his desires:
@ArtTakesNote: On the Hoop Collective podcast, Jonathan Givony said Austin Ainge doesn’t give a damn if Ace Bailey doesn’t want to get drafted by Utah Jazz and he will select him if he’s the best player available.
2025-26 is definitely shaping up to be a busy (and complicated) year in Salt Lake City…
