Ace Bailey has been quite a revelation in the college basketball sphere. With an impressive season, Bailey was expected to get a handsome contract in the NBA draft. As the draft panned out, Bailey was ultimately picked up by the Utah Jazz. The Rutgers’ star was selected as the No. 5 overall pick for the team. However, if this wasn’t surprising enough, a recent report revealed that Bailey wanted to dodge a top 5 team!
According to sources, as reported by ‘ESPN,’ Bailey’s agents asked a team in the top five not to pick him! And things get even more surprising. As per the reports, Bailey’s agents warned the team that he would not have turned up even if they selected him. Such a decision made teams like the Charlotte Hornets and more pass on him.
Ace Bailey’s agent reportedly informed one top-5 team if Bailey was selected, he would not report. 😳
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) June 26, 2025
per @DraftExpress pic.twitter.com/3MSYWMm4Yu
However, his draft pick too, left a lot to be discussed. Bailey was heavily rumored to be a No. 3 pick. But he ultimately went No. 5, which was again not something that Bailey initially planned. Ahead of the draft, the Rutgers’ star clarified on his preferred selections. He was reportedly interested in No. 6, 7, and 8 with the Wizards, Pelicans, and the Nets. However, while he is now officially a Jazz, it remains to be seen how things pan out. Meanwhile, Ace Bailey’s pre-draft demands had Paul George going off on him.
Paul George Goes Off On Ace Bailey Following Pre-Draft Demands
Ace Bailey and his pre-draft antics had the hoops realm reeling. He decided to skip the workouts. And ahead of the draft, he reportedly canceled a meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers front office. According to Jason Dumas, Bailey wanted a clear commitment from the 76ers before turning up for the meeting. And all of these did not sit well with Paul George. Criticizing the youngster, George stated:
“I mean, I think if I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops. But, he’s canceled all workouts. Like, he hasn’t worked out for any team. So, I think they made a big deal cause we were scheduled to work him out, and he canceled the day of.”
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Thus, with a lot going on with Ace Bailey, it remains to be seen what happens next.
