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Ace Bailey’s Draft Gambit Backfires as Jazz Select Him No. 5

Uprooted by Utah’s surprise selection, the Rutgers guard faces a fresh start in a Jazz rebuild

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Overview

  • Bailey’s camp refused workouts outside his preferred list, including a session with the 76ers, in a bid to steer him toward Washington, New Orleans or Brooklyn
  • The 18-year-old admitted he had “no idea” the Jazz were targeting him when they called his bluff on draft night
  • Dropping from a projected top-three pick to No. 5 cost Bailey an estimated $9.2 million in guaranteed rookie-scale salary
  • At 6-ft-8 with a 7-ft wingspan and elite off-ball scoring, Bailey offers Utah defensive upside and spacing in coach Will Hardy’s system
  • The Jazz, who hold cap flexibility and multiple draft assets, are expected to reshape their roster around Bailey this offseason