Reports and speculation swirled immediately after the Utah Jazz selected Ace bailey with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA <a href="https://news.quantosei.com/2025/06/27/cooper-flagg-at-point-guard-a-possibility-for-a-sponge-on-a-veteran-mavs-roster/” title=”Cooper Flagg as Mavericks PG? Kidd's Bold Rookie Plan”>draft. Whispers suggested the talented Rutgers wing might not want to play for the team that drafted him. However, Bailey’s official representation is now speaking out definitively, aiming to put the rumors to rest and clarify the plan for the highly-touted prospect’s future in Salt Lake City.
The Unexpected Pick and Initial Rumors
Ace Bailey was widely regarded as one of the top prospects available in the draft. Yet, his pre-draft process included some unusual turns. Notably, he did not conduct private workouts for every team, including the Utah Jazz. Following his selection at No. 5 by the Jazz, an ESPN report emerged, citing sources who claimed Bailey’s representatives had informed a top-five team they preferred the team not select him and that he would not report if they did. While the specific team wasn’t initially named in that particular report, subsequent reports linked the situation to Utah, listing Washington, New Orleans, and Brooklyn as his reported “preferred destinations.” This immediately fueled questions about Bailey’s willingness to join the Jazz franchise.
Representation Under Scrutiny
The complexity surrounding Bailey’s draft process seemed to originate from differing approaches among his representation. Omar Cooper, a longtime manager for Bailey and father of former NBA player Sharife Cooper, reportedly served as the primary point of contact for many NBA teams throughout the draft lead-up. Reports indicated Cooper actively worked to steer Bailey towards teams drafting below Utah, focusing on what he perceived as the best “fit” for the young player’s development rather than simply aiming for the highest possible draft slot.
However, it’s important to note that Omar Cooper is not a registered agent with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA). Ace Bailey’s official, registered agency is GSE Worldwide. This distinction became central to clarifying the situation.
Agency President Addresses Speculation
Andrew Witlieb, President of GSE Worldwide, directly addressed the persistent rumors in an interview with Front Office Sports. His message was clear and aimed at dispelling the narrative that Bailey is unhappy about landing with the Jazz.
Witlieb stated that Bailey is “thrilled to be going to Utah.” He emphasized that being selected in the top five of the NBA draft is a significant honor. From a basketball perspective, Witlieb views the situation in Utah as “great” for Bailey. He believes the environment is conducive to his development and that he will have ample opportunity to showcase his skills on the court.
GSE Worldwide clarified that they are “partnering” with Omar Cooper in representing Bailey. The day-to-day responsibilities for Ace will fall to Daniel Green, who is an NBPA certified agent, working alongside Cooper. Witlieb reiterated that while Cooper focused on fit during the pre-draft process, GSE Worldwide ultimately believes Utah represents “one of the best places he could’ve gone.”
Downplaying the Workout Issue
Witlieb also pushed back against the notion that Bailey not working out for the Jazz prior to the draft was a major impediment or a sign of disinterest. He characterized the lack of a private workout as a “story that was blown out of proportion” and an “overrated thing.” Witlieb pointed out that it is quite common for teams to draft players they haven’t personally worked out. He added that the Jazz were extensively familiar with Bailey’s game, having scouted him throughout the previous year with “10, 20 scouts at every single game,” indicating they had plenty of information and film.
The Utah Jazz Stance
The Jazz organization has publicly maintained a position of confidence regarding their draft class and Ace Bailey specifically. Jazz Vice President of Player Development, Avery Bradley, stated his understanding that all of their draft picks, including Bailey, would be reporting to Utah for preparations ahead of the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Jazz owner Ryan Smith also weighed in on the reported concerns, acknowledging that Bailey might not have significant prior “experience out west here with Utah.” However, Smith expressed strong confidence that the state and the organization would make Bailey feel incredibly welcomed and supported. He believes Utah offers an environment where Bailey can thrive and achieve his potential.
Furthermore, reports from reputable NBA insiders like Brian Windhorst and Shams Charania indicate the Jazz front office, led by Danny and Austin Ainge, is firmly committed to Bailey. They are reportedly not going to be swayed by any external pressure regarding the situation. Charania specifically reported that the Jazz have no intention of trading Bailey, asserting that “If he’s playing in the NBA, he’s playing for the Utah Jazz.” This underscores the team’s determination to keep their lottery selection.
Ace Bailey’s Own Words
Amidst the noise, Ace Bailey himself offered his perspective post-draft. He candidly admitted that he had “no idea” the Jazz were planning to select him at No. 5. Despite the reported pre-draft preferences, Bailey described his selection as a “blessing.” He spoke emotionally about the culmination of years of “hard work, the sacrifice, the blood, the sweat, the tears” for himself and his family. His focus, he stated, is squarely on basketball and getting to work. Omar Cooper also signaled a positive outlook, posting a photo of Bailey on Instagram with the caption, “Congratulations @acebailey @utahjazz Letsssss Goooooo.”
Putting Rumors to Rest: Reporting to Utah
All signs now point to Ace Bailey joining the Utah Jazz as planned. While there was a slight delay compared to fellow first-round pick Walter Clayton Jr., Bailey is expected to report to the team in Utah shortly for Summer League camp, which begins practicing a few days before the Salt Lake City event kicks off on July 5. This physical presence will likely be the final definitive step in quelling the speculation that has surrounded his draft status.
Why the Jazz Took the “Swing”
Despite the off-court drama and rumored preferences, the Jazz’s decision to draft Ace Bailey at No. 5 was fundamentally about his immense potential. Experts highlight his “massive upside” and the possibility that he could develop into a “true two-way star” and a “franchise-changing player.” At 6-foot-9 with “top-tier athleticism,” Bailey possesses rare physical tools for a wing.
Offensively, he shows the “foundation to become an elite scorer,” even if he currently lacks some polish in areas like creating off the dribble. His freshman season at Rutgers demonstrated his scoring power, averaging over 20 points per game and shooting above 40% from three-point range according to some reports. Defensively, his “length and lateral quickness” suggest he can become a significant factor, capable of disrupting passing lanes and guarding multiple positions.
While acknowledged as somewhat raw, Bailey is still only 19 years old, leaving significant room for growth and refinement. For a team like the Jazz, which is building towards contention and potentially lacks a true “franchise cornerstone” among its current solid players, taking a “swing” on a player with Bailey’s ceiling represents a calculated risk. The front office, led by Danny Ainge, appears committed to developing his potential, believing he could become the high-level player the franchise needs. Though some analysts initially called the pick a “stunner” given the perceived fit issues, others noted that Utah could indeed be an “outstanding place” for his development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were there rumors Ace Bailey didn’t want to play for the Jazz?
Rumors stemmed from an ESPN report claiming Bailey’s representatives told a top-five team they didn’t want him selected and he wouldn’t report. Combined with reports Utah wasn’t a “preferred destination” and Bailey not working out privately for the team, speculation grew. This was reportedly driven by his manager, Omar Cooper, who focused on specific team fits over draft position.
Who represents Ace Bailey, and what is their stance on him joining the Jazz?
Ace Bailey’s official registered agency is GSE Worldwide. Andrew Witlieb, President of GSE, stated Bailey is “thrilled” to join the Jazz and views it as a “great situation.” GSE is partnering with Omar Cooper, but NBPA certified agent Daniel Green serves as the day-to-day agent. GSE’s stance contradicts the earlier rumors, affirming Bailey’s excitement to play in Utah.
Is Ace Bailey expected to report to the Utah Jazz for team activities?
Yes, all signs indicate Ace Bailey is expected to report to the Utah Jazz. The team, including VP Avery Bradley and owner Ryan Smith, has expressed confidence he will be present. Reports from insiders like Shams Charania confirm the Jazz’s intent to keep him, and Bailey is anticipated to join his fellow draft picks for practice ahead of the Salt Lake City Summer League starting July 5.
Conclusion
The brief period of uncertainty following Ace Bailey’s selection by the Utah Jazz appears to be concluding. Despite initial reports and speculation fueled by his pre-draft process and representation dynamics, Bailey’s official agency, GSE Worldwide, along with the Jazz organization itself and even Bailey’s manager and the player himself, have stated clearly that he is excited and expected to join the team. The focus now shifts from off-court rumors to on-court potential as the immensely talented wing prepares to begin his NBA career in Salt Lake City. His arrival for Summer League preparations should effectively close this chapter of draft speculation, allowing Bailey and the Jazz to concentrate on developing his significant skills.
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