Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; USC Trojans guard Desmond Claude (1) knocks the ball away from Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) during the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

'He’s One of Those Melo-Type Scorers' – Utah Jazz Owner Explains Why They Couldn’t Pass Up on Ace Bailey in the 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 17, 2025 9:22 AM ET

The Utah Jazz raised eyebrows when they selected Ace Bailey with the fifth overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, considering he never had a pre-draft workout or interview with them.

Fast forward to today, and Bailey is looking like a franchise cornerstone, and Utah Jazz co-owner Dwyane Wade had nothing but great things to say about the former Rutgers swingman.

“He’s one of those guys that can just walk in the gym and get you 30. He’s one of those Melo-type of scorers. You had to get him,” Wade said on his YouTube channel.

Philadelphia 76ers Reportedly Mar 12, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) goes to the basket during the first half against the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images

“I think Kenny and the staff did an amazing job of grabbing the young fella. The young man and his family made their way down to Utah, and he seemed excited to be there. He got right to the court,” he added.

Utah Jazz insider reveals the true reason Ace Bailey has missed the team’s recent Summer League matches

Ace Bailey has not suited up in Las Vegas for the Utah Jazz due to a minor injury. According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Bailey is considered “day-to-day.”

Mar 4, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) drives the ball around Purdue Boilermakers forward Camden Heide (23) during the first half at Mackey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

“I’m told Ace Bailey’s hip flexor is a true day-to-day thing and that he hasn’t been ruled out of summer league. Same with John Tonje. The two are being evaluated daily, and their availability is based on those evaluations,” Jones explained via X (formerly known as Twitter).

Bailey played well in his last NBA 2K26 Summer League match. notching 18 points, seven rebounds, and three assists on 7-for-14 shooting from the field, helping the Utah Jazz win 112-111 against the Memphis Grizzlies.