Utah Jazz fans had been waiting with anticipation to see how Ace Bailey would perform in his Summer League debut. Much of the excitement and curiosity stemmed from the dramatic turn of events during the 2025 NBA Draft. Bailey was selected as the No. 5 overall pick by the Jazz despite initially showing no interest in joining the team.
Bailey made headlines leading up to the draft by refusing to work out for any NBA teams as the only U.S.-based prospect to take that route. Reports indicated that Utah was one of the destinations Bailey was hoping to avoid. His reaction on draft night made that sentiment clear.
However, once the pick was made, Bailey accepted the situation and shifted his focus. Instead of resisting the opportunity, the former Rutgers standout publicly committed to giving his best for the Jazz. He made it clear he wanted to use his time in Utah to showcase his elite athleticism and turn skepticism into support.
Ace Bailey Struggles In Debut Despite Defensive Highlights
The Utah Jazz pulled out a 93-89 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Saturday’s Summer League matchup. But Bailey’s much-anticipated debut didn’t quite meet the high expectations.
Bailey did start off on a promising note. Early in the first quarter, with the Jazz holding a slim lead of 20-18, Bailey nailed a confident three-pointer that excited the crowd.
Ace Bailey 3.
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2025
Cody Williams 3.
Kyle Filipowski 3.
It's raining triples in Salt Lake City on ESPN 👌 pic.twitter.com/CvZdC3tzma
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Bailey also had a standout defensive moment. He rejected Sixers guard Mark Armstrong’s shot attempt with an athletic leap that turned heads.
Ace Bailey said "NOT ON MY WATCH!" 🚫
— NBA (@NBA) July 6, 2025
The No. 5 overall pick is making presence known!
📺 Salt Lake City Summer League on ESPN pic.twitter.com/DDonPO0Ho0
But those flashes of brilliance were short-lived. Bailey struggled to find his rhythm offensively. He finished the game with just eight points and seven rebounds, shooting a tough 3-of-13 from the field and 1-of-5 from beyond the arc.
Ace Bailey tonight:
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) July 6, 2025
8 Points
7 Rebounds
3/13 FGM
1/5 3PM pic.twitter.com/7OsArRItH3
While Bailey had a quiet night, second-year forward Kyle Filipowski carried the Jazz to victory. He put up 22 points, six rebounds, and two assists.
On the other side, the Sixers had their own standout debut. No. 3 overall pick VJ Edgecombe had a stellar game, recording 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
