Ace Bailey, basketball’s next big thing The dazzling basketball phenom will hit the courts for the Utah Jazz this Saturday. He was taken fifth overall in Wednesday’s NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 forward has the shot-making ability that just draws eyes. Scouting report The best case scenario for Williams is that he emerges into a game-changing two-way scoring wing in the league.
Bailey’s path to the draft was filled with extreme pressure that NBA teams held over him. He developed into the top player in college basketball and No. 3 overall prospect on ESPN’s big board. This ranking turned him into the epicenter of franchise QB talks all season long. Bailey made waves going into draft night as the only American player not to have done a single pre-draft workout with any team. This bizarre selection shocked the NFL scouting community and front offices nationally.
Bailey ended up with invitations from the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz, who had the 4th and 5th picks. He ultimately chose to call off his trip to the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the No. 4 pick. Instead, he turned his attention to interviews, where he starred in 18 different conversations with prospective teams, displaying his charm, intellect, and promise.
Omar Cooper, Bailey’s agent, provided insight into the prospect’s preparations leading up to the draft.
“Every NBA team watched him work out in Chicago,” – Omar Cooper
“He did 18 interviews. Everyone got his medical. They watched him run and jump. They got his measurements. They watched him shoot in drills.” – Omar Cooper
The Jazz were clearly anxious to bolster their roster. They tanked to trade up for the top draft pick and worldly expected to be able to take Bailey. According to the city’s lead negotiating representative, communication with Bailey and his team had been a positive process.
“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” – A Jazz representative
Meanwhile, Bailey and his family are preparing for their new life in Utah. They’ve called a press conference on Sunday, which will be followed by the first practice under the new regime on Monday. The Jazz should be excited about Bailey’s fit into their system as well as his room for growth.
“We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow. We’ll have a press conference Sunday, and a practice Monday,” – A Jazz representative
Bailey’s rare combination of size and skills has football analysts and scouts mooning over him. His scoring ability is well documented, but there is hope about his growth as a ball handler and passer.
“His scoring gets a lot of attention, [and] deservedly so. He’s very skilled for his size. But watching a lot of film on him, I was impressed with his defensive effort and particularly his rebounding. Lot of weakside block shots, and his joy and energy for the game,” – Austin Ainge
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