Brad Penner-Imag

Brian Windhorst Drops Concerning Ace Bailey News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Carter Evenson | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 1:24 PM ET

One of the biggest storylines of Wednesday's NBA draft was the saga of Ace Bailey. In the lead-up to the draft, Bailey cancelled his workouts with the 76ers, Hornets and Jazz in an attempt to slide in the draft to one of his preferred destinations. Bailey preferred to be drafted by the Wizards, Nets or Pelicans, according to draft analyst Johnathon Givony.

Bailey's strategy did not work out for him, as the Utah Jazz selected him fifth overall, despite his preference not to go there. Cameras showed Bailey's reaction to the selection, which was a stone-faced stare. Bailey's body language continued to show his disappointment, as he did not smile when he shook NBA Commissioner Adam Silver's hand.

Unfortunately for the Jazz, the drama did not end on draft night. While the Jazz's other first-round pick, Walter Clayton Jr., traveled to meet the team, Bailey is yet to arrive in Utah, according to ESPN's Brian Windhorst.

"The Jazz were very excited to welcome him to Utah over the weekend, and that hasn’t happened yet," said Windhorst. "So he did not go there. Their other first-round pick, Walter Clayton Jr., flew to Utah on Thursday and is getting ready to go. Ace Bailey did not, and there’s been minimal contact with him and the team."

While this news seems troubling for the Jazz, Windhorst says that it is not a crisis yet.

"What the Jazz are saying is, he’s not expected in Utah until the weekend, and really, what he needs to do is be there by Monday when their training camp for Summer League," said Windhorst. '"And if he’s there, no problem, hope his Jazz career gets off to a good start. If he’s not, let’s see what actions go from there.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: