Polarizing prospect Ace Bailey selected fifth by Jazz in 2025 NBA Draft
By Camden Markel
Brooklyn's Future Starts Now: 2025 Draft Preview
The 2025 NBA Draft’s top two picks were essentially locked in for months — but just after that is where things were expected to shake up.
Ace Bailey was widely considered the No. 3 prospect, but after a peculiar lead-up to the draft he quickly became the biggest wild card until he wound up being selected by the Jazz with the No. 5 pick.
Ace Bailey at the 2025 NBA Draft.
The 18-year-old wing had a workout scheduled with the 76ers — picking third — before suddenly cancelling it, as many believed he had a promise from a team lower in the draft order.
Philadelphia instead selected Baylor freshman VJ Edgecombe.
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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Cooper Flagg greeted NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being taken No. 1 overall by the Mavericks, Image 2 shows Dylan Harper embraces NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the second pick by the San Antonio Spurs in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center, Image 3 shows Ace Bailey smiles during the 2025 NBA Draft - Round One on June 25, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
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He was reportedly the only U.S.-based prospect to not meet with a single team, as he declined invites from multiple teams in his draft range.
Bailey’s camp sought “a clear pathway to stardom,” DraftExpress previously reported, and the Nets, Wizards and Pelicans were reportedly his preferred destinations.
Ace Bailey at the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Ace Bailey’s landing spot in the NBA draft was unpredictable for much of the pre-draft process.
NBAE via Getty Images
However, it was rumored and reported just hours before the draft that he completed a private workout at some point with the Wizards, who many believed to be his top choice.
Reports swirled as many questioned Bailey’s character.
“I ain’t focused on that. I’m focused on the basketball part, just hooping everyday – getting better as a person and better at my game on the court,” he said Tuesday at the draft’s media availability.
Will Ace Bailey thrive in the NBA?
And despite what many may think amid this drama, Bailey filled in the world on what the Jazz will be getting in him as a player and person.
“A very energetic guy – as soon as I step on the court I’m bringing in the energy,” Bailey said before the draft. “I’m a great leader, a great coachable player, a humble person … I’m a big community guy, I love giving back to my community.”
Ace Bailey was playing chess games ahead of the NBA draft.
Getty Images
Upon joining the Jazz, Bailey will team up with star big man Lauri Markkanen.
Bailey was a one-and-done at Rutgers, where he and Spurs’ No. 2 pick Dylan Harper each had excellent individual seasons but could not guide the Scarlet Knights to the NCAA Tournament.
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Rutgers finished 15-17 overall and 8-12 in Big Ten play.
The best friends were the first Scarlet Knights to be drafted since Quincy Douby in 2006 and became the first pair of Rutgers teammates to be selected in the same draft since 1985.
Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper at the 2025 NBA Draft.
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Dylan Harper (left) and Ace Bailey spent a year together at Rutgers and now will face off against one another in the NBA.
NBAE via Getty Images
Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game in his lone collegiate season, adding 1.3 blocks and one steal per contest.
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