By Confounding to some and confusing to others, the pre-draft position of top prospect Ace Bailey moved to the rear-view mirror as he prepares for professional basketball life with the Utah Jazz.
Utah selected Bailey fifth overall on Wednesday, a decision that Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge said was extremely simple despite public concern about the Rutgers forward refusing to work out for teams before the 2025 NBA Draft.
“We do a lot of background calls and work on guys and everyone loves being around Ace,” Ainge said. “He’s fun, smiles every day. Just a breath of fresh air in the gym. We were able to speak with him. He was super excited. We’re super excited. We’re expecting a very bright future.”
