The talent that he has" – Dwyane Wade backs up Ace Bailey as Utah Jazz bet on their next star scorer
Ace Bailey
's draft selection by the Utah Jazz was viewed as a risk due to his alleged lack of desire to play for the team. Now, recently, co-owner Dwyane Wade swiftly refuted the claims and explained why the team took him in.
According to the NBA legend, he was too excellent to pass up. He further asserted that Ace Bailey has potential. Additionally, in a recent episode of The Timeout podcast, he praised the newcomer, who was chosen fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Dwyane Wade explains why the Utah Jazz couldn't ignore Ace Bailey's
star potential
despite pre-draft doubts
Dwyane Wade recently discussed why the
Utah Jazz
took that chance by selecting Ace Bailey in his podcast, The Timeout. The NBA icon said:
"Getting a young guy like Ace Bailey, the talent that he has, you cannot pass him up..
There is no way. Even though the rumor mill was saying that he wanted to go to certain teams, there's no way you can pass him up. He is too talented."
Dwyane Wade on Utah Jazz Drafting Ace Bailey & Walter Clayton Jr.
He went on to describe what it was about Ace Bailey that the Jazz found so enticing.
Dwyane Wade
even went so far as to draw a comparison between him and a fellow NBA player he had faced off against. He said:
"He is one of those guys that just walk in the gym, and he can get you 30. He is just one of those Melo-type of scorer type of players, so (you) had to get him.
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I thought Danny and the staff did an amazing job of grabbing a young fella."
He then discussed why Utah is the ideal place for Ace Bailey on that same episode. Dwyane Wade then added:
"As soon as he got there, he clocked in and went right to work.. He is going to be fine. I think, as he allows it, he is going to understand he is in a very good organization. He is in a very good spot to allow himself to grow: One as a young man, but also as a young basketball player in this league.
I think it was a very good move for him."
Dwyane Wade backed up Ace Bailey (Image via Instagram / @dwyanewade)
Despite Ace Bailey's refusal to visit or train with the Utah Jazz before the draft, the team remained confident. The new head of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, scouted him extensively during his time with the
Boston Celtics
and had faith in his skills.
Additionally, his attacking game is already excellent. Still, there is room for development. His next objectives are to improve his flexibility, core strength, and finishing through contact, in addition to refining his defensive engagement. If he can get better in those areas, he has real All-Star potential.
Also read:
Kevin Love reacts to reported three-team trade involving Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, and L.A. Clippers
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
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