Utah Jazz pull off ‘stunner’ in NBA Draft

The Utah Jazz pulled off a “stunner” in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, according to one draft analyst.

The Jazz had the No. 5 overall pick and used it to select former Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey. Speaking on ESPN after the pick, draft analyst Jonathan Givony described the pick as a “stunner.” The reason has to do with Bailey’s preferences.

According to Givony, Bailey did not work out for any NBA teams prior to the draft. He was the only US-based prospect not to work out for a team. Givony further reported that Bailey wanted to be drafted by Brooklyn, New Orleans or Washington.

“This is a little of a stunner,” Givony said.

Even though Bailey did not prefer to go to Utah, the Jazz are viewed as a good landing spot for him. The Jazz are rebuilding and went 17-65 last season, which was the worst record in the league.

Some people thought that Bailey exhibited signs that he was not happy to be drafted by the Jazz.