Jazz Owner Says Ace Bailey 'is coming to Utah' on Saturday

Fox News

4 hours ago

In 1999's "Office Space," Initech employee Peter Gibbons told Joanna that he didn't "like" his job and he wasn't "going to go anymore." In the case of former Rutgers star Ace Bailey, it seemed like he may just not show up to play for the Utah Jazz on Day 1. However, after a short-lived game of chicken, Bailey gave in and plans to report to Utah — as expected — on Saturday, team owner Ryan Smith said.
Utah selected Bailey with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, but it was reported on the live broadcast of the draft that the 6-foot-10 prospect didn't have the Jazz as a "preferred destination." Bailey also didn't conduct a workout with a single team in the draft process. Therefore, doubt grew over whether he'd report to the Jazz's summer league training camp. While he hasn't officially set foot in Utah, the Jazz brass seem confident the chaos is over and Bailey will be a cooperative member, and a key part of their future.
Here's everything that unfolded with the saga between Bailey and the Jazz that ultimately ended how the team expected it to.
Bailey was a five-star recruit who played one year at Rutgers. In his freshman season, the still-18-year-old Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and one steal per game, while shooting 46.0/34.6/69.2. Bailey earned All-Big Ten honors.
Outside of taking Bailey at No. 5, Utah acquired the No. 18 pick to select Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr. and selected Wisconsin guard John Tonje with the No. 53 pick. Clayton reportedly arrived in Salt Lake City prior to the weekend, whereas Bailey held out until the weekend.
Bailey was present at the 2025 NBA Draft Combine. However, he didn't have a workout with any team in the weeks leading up to the draft, with speculation that he wanted to fall to a team in the bottom part of the top-10. He even canceled a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.
There was "minimal contact" between Bailey and the Jazz in the days after he was drafted, according to an ESPN report. But, the team remained confident that he'd be present in Utah by Monday. Furthermore, Bailey's camp informed one team picking in the top-five that he wouldn't report if they drafted him, though, it's unknown if the Jazz were that team. However, now that drama seems like a rumor of the past.
New Jazz president Austin Ainge spoke glowingly of Bailey.
"He's great. We were able to speak with him. He was super excited. We're super excited. We're expecting a very bright future," Ainge said of Bailey on Thursday, according to ESPN. "His scoring gets a lot of attention, [and] deservedly so. He's very skilled for his size. But watching a lot of film on him, I was impressed with his defensive effort and particularly his rebounding. Lot of weakside block shots, and his joy and energy for the game. We do a lot of background calls and work on guys, and everyone loves being around Ace."
The unofficial start of NBA free agency is Monday, June 30 at 6:00 p.m. ET, which is when teams can begin negotiating with the agents of players who were not previously under contract with them. On the team front, Utah's Salt Lake City Summer League kicks off on July 5, and Bailey should have a huge role for them in that process.
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