Rutgers forward Ace Bailey said he had «no idea» the Jazz had interest in taking him with the sixth overall pick, and a source told ESPN that Utah was not among his preferred destinations.
In the first surprise of the 2025 NBA draft, the Utah Jazz took a swing on drafting Rutgers forward Ace Bailey, one of the biggest talents — and mysteries — in this year’s class.
After the Jazz took him with the sixth overall pick, Utah president of basketball operations Austin Ainge told ESPN, «We really like him as a player, and a fit in our program.»
Bailey said he had «no idea» the Jazz were interested in drafting him. Utah also was not among his preferred destinations, a source told ESPN’s Jonathan Givony in the leadup to the NBA draft.
Bailey said, however, that he feels he’ll mesh well with his new teammates.
«I feel like once I come in, it’s going to be a lot of work», he said. «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.
