Jazz Owner Ryan Smith Confident Ace Bailey Will Thrive

Jazz Land Coveted Prospect Amid Draft Drama

The Utah Jazz are buzzing after selecting Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick in the recent NBA Draft. Despite a pre-draft process marked by speculation and red flags, team owner Ryan Smith is confident the talented wing will find a welcoming home in Salt Lake City and reach his considerable potential.

Landing Bailey at No. 5 was described as a “dream scenario” by Jazz President of Basketball Operations Austin Ainge. For a team in the midst of a rebuild searching for a potential cornerstone player, the availability of a prospect once widely projected in the top three was unexpected and exciting.

Bailey’s Pre-Draft Journey: Talent vs. Questions

Bailey, a 6-foot-8 wing from Rutgers, possesses unique scoring ability and was considered among the nation’s top freshmen alongside players like Cooper Flagg (selected No. 1 overall). However, his freshman season performance, shot selection, defensive intensity, and particularly his handling of the pre-draft process raised questions.

Reports indicated an unorthodox approach, including:
Refusing to work out for any teams.
Speculation that Bailey or his camp preferred destinations outside of Utah, specifically mentioning Washington, Brooklyn, or New Orleans.

An ESPN report suggesting Bailey’s representatives even informed at least one top-five team not to draft him, hinting he might not report.

Some anonymous NBA executives reportedly believed this lack of workouts and communication would cause Bailey to slide in the draft. Indeed, he fell past the No. 3 pick (Philadelphia 76ers, V.J. Edgecombe) and No. 4 pick (Charlotte Hornets, Kon Knueppel) before the Jazz made their move at No. 5. Upon being drafted, Bailey reportedly stated he “had no idea” Utah was interested.

Smith Bets on Talent and the Utah Environment

Despite the swirling rumors and perceived hesitancy, the Jazz organization chose to bet on Bailey’s obvious “All-NBA talent” and upside. On the Pat McAfee Show, Jazz owner Ryan Smith explained the team’s philosophy: “We want to take the best player on the board, and we love Ace.”

Smith shared his positive initial interaction with Bailey after the draft. “I got a chance to talk to Ace last night,” Smith said, “and all I saw was a kid who was humble. He was grateful. He was excited to be in the NBA.” This, Smith noted, is “all you can ask for from our standpoint.”

Addressing the reports about Bailey’s potential unfamiliarity or preference for other locations, Smith wasn’t concerned. He acknowledged it’s natural to feel uncomfortable in a new place, especially one like Utah, which Bailey reportedly hadn’t visited. “Probably doesn’t have a lot of experience out west, here with Utah,” Smith conceded. “That’s our job to go make him love it.”

Smith offered a broader perspective on draft preferences, suggesting that players’ initial ideas about their “preferred destination” might not always align with the best long-term opportunities. He believes focusing too much on such preferences can “limit all the opportunities in front of us.”

Opportunities Ahead in Salt Lake City

Ryan Smith expressed strong confidence in the state and the Jazz organization’s ability to embrace Bailey. “I’m confident in our state,” he stated. “I know that he’ll feel love like he’s never felt before.” Smith believes the community is “fired up” to have him and that the supportive environment in Utah offers unlimited potential. “The reality is,” he added, “there’s nothing that Ace and others can’t accomplish here.”

The Jazz, who finished last season with a 17-65 record and haven’t reached the playoffs since 2022, offer Bailey a significant opportunity. The team has lacked a true go-to wing player, and Bailey is expected to have a “long runway to develop” with ample opportunity and shots from the start.

Bailey is expected to join the team for the Salt Lake City Summer League beginning July 5th, followed by play in Las Vegas. Smith looks forward to showing Bailey what Utah has to offer over the coming years, ultimately believing it can become a place he calls home.

Alongside the selection of Walter Clayton Jr. later in the first round, the Jazz are viewed by some as having secured one of the most talented incoming draft classes, aiming to blend this new talent with their existing core including Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton, and Jordan Clarkson to become significantly more competitive next season.