Ace Bailey, the top prospect to enter this year’s NBA draft, was unexpectedly selected with the 5th overall pick by the Utah Jazz. Bailey’s representatives had informed potential teams that they wouldn’t report if drafted inside the top five. However, Bailey’s team stuck to their strategy and chose him over other available options.
In a press conference after being drafted, Bailey stated he couldn’t control how others feel about his draft choice. He emphasized that his focus is on basketball, and his team will do what they’re doing. Bailey’s agent, Omar Cooper, defended the team’s actions during the predraft process, citing that every NBA team watched Bailey work out, conducted interviews, and gathered medical information.
This draft move indicates that Bailey had a preferred destination in mind – the Washington Wizards with the 6th pick. However, Utah’s new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, managed to secure Bailey, giving his team a talent they wouldn’t have been expected to get with the 5th pick. Ainge praised Bailey for his scoring ability and defensive effort, highlighting his rebounding skills and energy for the game.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45592247/sources-ace-bailey-reps-told-team-top-five-not-pick-him