Apr 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) speaks with guard Chris Paul (3) during a time out in the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

NBA Star Kevin Durant Made His Feelings Clear About Ace Bailey

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 6:13 PM ET

On Wednesday evening, Ace Bailey was selected by the Utah Jazz with the fifth pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

The former Rutgers star is seen as a player who has superstar potential.

Via The NBA: "Ace Bailey is selected 5th overall by the @utahjazz in the 2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!"

Ace Bailey is selected 5th overall by the @utahjazz in the 2025 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!

Watch on ABC & ESPN. pic.twitter.com/a9D3KKq1Fk
— NBA (@NBA) June 26, 2025

During the middle of the 2024-25 season, Kevin Durant (who was with the Phoenix Suns) was asked about Bailey.

Durant on December 26 (via Brian Fonseca of NJ Advance Media/The Star-Ledger ): "Ace is a pure, pure talent. Being able to shoot the ball with that type of touch from anywhere... It's incredible to watch him and his teammate Dylan Harper... I see some of my game in Ace... He's probably a little bit more advanced than I was at that age... He's a problem. I can't wait to see his career grow."

Kevin Durant on Ace Bailey: “Ace is a pure, pure talent. It’s insane the shots that he can make over multiple people at that length. … him and his teammate Dylan Harper are playing some great ball. (Rutgers) is one of my favorite teams to watch.” https://t.co/qkzoLGmd7M pic.twitter.com/Ef4kK3fg12
— Brian Fonseca (@briannnnf) December 26, 2024

Bailey finished his only season of college basketball with averages of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.3 blocks per contest while shooting 46.0% from the field and 34.6% from the three-point range in 30 games.

Via @CBKReport: "Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper did the unthinkable by going to Rutgers.

• The highest-rated recruits in Rutgers history
• The only 5-stars to commit to Rutgers out of high school
• Both averaged 17.5+ PPG

Now, both are top-5 picks in the NBA Draft."

Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper did the unthinkable by going to Rutgers.

• The highest-rated recruits in Rutgers history
• The only 5-stars to commit to Rutgers out of high school
• Both averaged 17.5+ PPG

Now, both are top-5 picks in the NBA Draft. pic.twitter.com/KZQm1xWW7x
— College Basketball Report (@CBKReport) June 26, 2025

The Jazz were the 15th seed in the Western Conference with a 17-65 record.

This article first appeared on Fastbreak on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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