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Ryan Phillips

Ace Bailey Selected by Jazz at No. 5 Following Bizarre Draft Process

Ace Bailey arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Ace Bailey's NBA draft saga has finally come to an end.

The Rutgers forward was selected by the Utah Jazz with the No. 5 pick on Wednesday night, ending one of the strangest draft processes in recent memory.

Bailey was projected as a top-five pick but opted not to work out for any team, and even cancelled a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers. The way he handled himself ruffled feathers around the league.

Despite those issues, Bailey's talent won out, and the Jazz were willing to take a chance on him.

Bailey was a freshman during the 2024-25 season at Rutgers and averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game. A versatile wing and an incredible shot-maker, Bailey has been on NBA radars for years.

He'll now play for the Jazz after a bizarre draft process.


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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Ace Bailey Selected by Jazz at No. 5 Following Bizarre Draft Process.

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