Ace Bailey’s reaction to being selected 5th by Jazz 

The NBA Draft has officially ended its first round and some selections were obvious, like Cooper Flagg going first to the Dallas Mavericks. Others, like Ace Bailey being selected fifth by the Utah Jazz, were not.

Bailey chose not to work out for any team before the NBA Draft. This decision was criticized by Paul George.

“If I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops,” George said. “He’s canceled all workouts. He hasn’t worked out for any team… Ace Bailey is not in a position to be making those demands. Make it to the league first… That’s a kid that’s been paid in college, bro, ‘I got money.’

“I don’t care. I will tell you where I want to go.’ This is a business. If I’m gonna put my money behind you, I need to know that you’re gonna represent us well.”

After the Jazz selected him, Bailey looked both stunned and a bit upset. Speculation immediately followed about Bailey’s mindset heading to Utah.

Bailey spoke about this selection and claimed he’s happy, even though he’s going to the Jazz.

“It’s just a blessing. The little kid in me is smiling hard right now because the hard work, the sacrifice, the blood, the sweat, the tears, not just for me, but for everyone, went into this. So the little kid in me is just smiling at me right now.”