Ace Bailey’s attempt to maneuver his way to Washington, New Orleans or Brooklyn backfired when the Jazz selected him with the No. 5 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. The Jazz plan to keep Bailey, according to Givony, even though they were not a “preferred” destination.

Rutgers star Ace Bailey remains a mystery heading into the NBA draft. Bailey has not had a public workout for any team, a puzzling strategy that got him called out by critics ranging from current NBA players to analysts to Pennsylvania Gov.

Jokes Pouring in After Ace Bailey's Pre-Draft Stunt Fails originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In the weeks leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, Rutgers star Ace Bailey frequently made headlines for his unwillingness to meet teams.