Ace Bailey Had 'No Idea' of Jazz Interest, Utah Reportedly Wasn't a 'Preferred' Team

Rutgers star Ace Bailey had "no idea" he was on the Utah Jazz's radar prior to the team picking him fifth overall in the 2025 NBA draft.

"I feel like once I come in, it's going to be a lot of work," he said in his first press conference after getting selected. "I feel like I'm a person that likes to work out a lot. I'm going to push my teammates to be the best they can be. I want to come in and be a leader as a young cat."

Bailey's surprise with the Jazz taking him somewhat elides the reality of the situation based on what has been reported.

According to ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Utah was among the teams that invited Bailey for a workout, only for him to decline the opportunity. The organization wouldn't have taken that step if it wasn't considering him as an option.

More than anything, the 6'8" forward and his camp may not have expected the Jazz to basically call his bluff.

Givony reported on ESPN's draft broadcast that Utah "was not one of his preferred destinations." He had the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets on his short list.

Austin Ainge, the Utah president of basketball operations, told Givony they "really like Ace Bailey as a player and a fit in our program." They have no intention of quickly flipping him in a trade.

While this isn't the outcome the 18-year-old envisioned from the draft, Utah is a place where he can thrive on the court.

The franchise is in the midst of a rebuild and nowhere close to contention after going 17-65.

Bailey is bound to get plenty of minutes and touches with the priority more on the long term rather than winning right now. He'll become an even bigger focal point if the Jazz decide to cash in on 2022-23 All-Star Lauri Markkanen, too.

Maybe Wednesday night proves to be a blessing in disguise.