Ace Bailey Falls To No. 5 After Refusing Top-Five NBA Draft Workouts

Ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, Rutgers wing Ace Bailey and his agents informed a team with a top-five pick that he would not report if selected, signaling his preference for certain teams later in the draft. Bailey, initially regarded as the No. 3 prospect, slid to fifth overall where the Utah Jazz selected him despite his lack of interest in joining them and his unconventional pre-draft process, which included skipping workouts with any team. While Bailey favored the Wizards, Pelicans, and Nets, he was reportedly disinterested in the 76ers, Hornets, and Jazz, with speculation that his refusal to report may have been aimed at the Hornets. Bailey's agent, Omar Cooper, defended the pre-draft strategy, noting that teams had ample opportunity to evaluate Bailey through interviews, medicals, and a central workout in Chicago. Utah Jazz leadership expressed enthusiasm about acquiring Bailey's talent, and Bailey himself has begun to warm up to his new team, emphasizing the youth and potential of the Jazz roster. Despite initial backlash and uncertainty, Bailey is adapting to his unexpected landing spot and the challenges of joining the Jazz.