The 2025 NBA Draft has ended, revealing several remarkable selections. The Dallas Mavericks made headlines by selecting Cooper Flagg as the first overall pick, a highly anticipated move. In addition, the Utah Jazz generated intrigue by choosing Ace Bailey with their fifth pick.
Previously, Bailey has found himself at the center of considerable media attention after cancelling a scheduled meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers. This choice sparked significant debate among fans and analysts alike. Recently, he has made headlines again in the wake of the NBA draft.
According to ESPN Insider Brian Windhorst, Bailey chose not to accompany fellow first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. on his trip to Utah. Clayton, who was selected 18th overall by the Washington Wizards, was involved in a trade that sent him to the Utah Jazz shortly after the draft.
Ace Bailey did not fly with fellow first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr. to Utah after being drafted, per @WindhorstESPN.
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) June 27, 2025
Bailey is expected to show up in Salt Lake City by Monday.
If he doesn’t show, Bailey could be holding out from the team. pic.twitter.com/JVGfXa0wVT
This decision raises eyebrows, particularly as Bailey is expected to arrive in Salt Lake City by Monday. If he fails to show up as planned, it could signal that he is weighing the possibility of a holdout from the team.
Criticism Grows For Ace Bailey Following Missed Flight With Clayton
When Evan Sidery from Forbes highlighted Windhorst’s update regarding Bailey on X (formerly Twitter), fan reactions flooded the comments section. Numerous commenters expressed disappointment over Bailey’s failure to board a flight alongside fellow draft pick Clayton, which has intensified growing worries surrounding the circumstances in Utah.
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One fan said, “Could another team trade for him?”
Could another team trade for him?
— 𝟕𝟕 (@lukabetter77_) June 27, 2025
Meanwhile, another fan mentioned, “Need to show him a lesson.”
Need to show him a lesson
— Lebrons close friends (@LeBronscfs) June 27, 2025
Another fan criticised Bailey, “this kid is an absolute loser.”
this kid is an absolute loser
— josh (@joshg555) June 27, 2025
Another fan commented, “ace bailey about to learn a hard life lesson.”
ace bailey about to learn a hard life lesson 😂
— HumbleForever (@DaRealSkeet) June 27, 2025
A sports enthusiast mentioned, “have not heard ONE good thing about this kid.”
have not heard ONE good thing about this kid
— CooperBaggs 💰 🏋🏼♂️📈 (@edgaralandough) June 27, 2025
Another fan commented, “This dude has some dumb a** people surrounding him.”
This dude has some dumb ass people surrounding him
— Feverrolling (@feverrolling) June 27, 2025
Another fan mentioned, “Kid thinks hes lebron or cooper or wemby lmao.”
Kid thinks hes lebron or cooper or wemby lmao
— Official Ohio State DG (@DylanEveryday) June 27, 2025
In the 2024-25 season in the NCAA, Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game.
Also Read: Ace Bailey’s Camp Reportedly Made Shocking Draft Demand Before Jazz Selected Him At No. 5
