Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Ace Bailey NBA Draft Slide: Who’s Winner and Loser in Ace Bailey’s Fall to No.5?

Ace Bailey’s controversial fall to No. 5 has sparked debate, but could it be a blessing in disguise for the explosive forward?

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Ace Bailey is now officially part of the Utah Jazz after being selected fifth overall in the 2025 NBA Draft. Going into the 2025 NBA Draft, Ace Bailey was one of the top prospects after his electrifying performances in the NCAA 2024/25 season.

He posted an average of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in 30 starts. What stood out was also his impressive field goal percentage which was at 46.0. However, Rutgers Scarlet Knights couldn’t qualify for the March Madness with a 15-17 overall record.

How Ace Bailey Became Biggest Loser of NBA Draft?

Although his NCAA run ended prematurely with Rutgers missing March Madness, Ace Bailey was still viewed as a major riser heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. Bailey was projected as a likely top-three selection heading into the draft process. However, his conduct throughout the trial phase remained questionable.

Bailey stood out for the wrong reasons, becoming the only U.S.-based prospect to skip workouts with any NBA franchise. In fact, the power forward cancelled a meeting with the Philadelphia 76ers at the 11th hour. This left a negative impression on various teams in the NBA.

PG spoke on Ace Bailey not working out for a single team ahead of the draft 👀

(via @PodcastPShow) pic.twitter.com/xF42vTHXTn
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 25, 2025

Bailey and his agent clearly communicated that they didn’t want to join Charlotte Hornets, Philadelphia 76ers, and Utah Jazz. Instead, the 18-year-old and his camp were hoping to slip further in the draft and land with either the Wizards, Pelicans, or Nets.

None of that happened as despite the 76ers skipping him at number 3, the Jazz snapped him up at five. Bailey isn’t happy with the pick and has reportedly registered his disapproval with the Utah Jazz organization. Beyond damaging his draft stock, Bailey now enters the league carrying visible frustration and skepticism about his landing spot.

What’s Positive for Ace Bailey in Draft Slide? Has Rutgers Standout Won Something?

The Utah Jazz move for Ace Bailey is not all grey. There are plenty of upsides to his beginning phase of NBA career. Being a top 5 pick, the former Rutgers is set to $41.2 million through his rookie contract. This is a huge uptick that would still bring a smile to Bailey.

Despite initial tension, Bailey’s offensive versatility actually fills a major gap in the Jazz roster and could help elevate their scoring efficiency. If anything, Bailey sticks like a glue for the Western Conference side. The Jazz ranked 24th in offensive efficiency, 23rd in three-point shooting, and 21st in transition scoring making Bailey’s arrival timely and crucial.

Ace Bailey on going to Utah:

"I can control what I can control. They feel how they feel. But my team and me, me focusing on basketball and them doing what they're doing, so it happens" pic.twitter.com/aHkz7QFBVR
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 26, 2025

If anything, Ace Bailey has a massive opportunity to turn the tables at Jazz and become a cornerstone for his franchise. Prove that he’s a leader. If he manages to do what he did at Rutgers, Ace Bailey will not only get a rookie max extension down the line but also a shot at going to his choice of franchise.