The Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
On draft night, there was speculation that ace Bailey might not want to be drafted by certain teams, including the Utah Jazz, which caused his draft stock to decline.
However, the Jazz were not intimidated by the idea that Bailey might not report to camp and took her anyway.
Since being drafted by the Jazz, Bailey has shown no signs of not wanting to be there.
Bailey impressed with the Jazz during the preseason, drawing comparisons to Paul George and Tracy McGrady.
Bailey looks fully committed and already looks like he could be the Jazz’s franchise player for years to come.
Will Hardy has done a great job coaching Bayley, and so far it’s paid off well.
Bailey’s teammate Georges Niang spoke about what he heard Bailey say in the locker room and debunked the narrative that Bailey didn’t want to be at Utah or had a bad attitude.
“He’s a really talented guy, a really special guy. I was trying to compare him, but I don’t want to say it.
“I’ve never seen a kid so excited to be here. As I said many times in the locker room, he said, ‘It’s a blessing to be in the NBA.’
“And it’s unfortunate the stories that have been made about him because he was such a great kid.
“I think he loves playing basketball and has proven himself as a basketball player, but I’m more impressed with who he is as a person. The sky is the limit for that kid.
“He’s always been in the gym and he’s definitely going to be a bright spot this season.”
Bailey will have an even bigger role with the Jazz. He will get a lot of minutes and chances with the Jazz team, which will likely be a lottery pick.
Other rookies expected to be in contention for Rookie of the Year will find themselves in vastly different situations than Bailey.
V.J. Edgecomb is currently on a Philadelphia 76ers team looking to win, Dylan Harper will come off the bench for the San Antonio Spurs behind De’Aaron Fox, and Cooper Flagg will play on a Dallas Mavericks team with a lot of talent around them.
So, on a bad team, Bailey could really explode and dominate this season until he wins the award.