In a move that promises to significantly impact their future, the Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. The decision to draft the 6’7” wing from Camden, New Jersey, was met with excitement, as it reflects the Jazz’s ambition to elevate their young core and continue their rebuild with a highly skilled, athletic talent. Bailey, known for his explosive athleticism, versatile scoring ability, and defensive tenacity, is one of the most complete prospects in this draft class. His blend of size, strength, and basketball IQ has made him one of the most talked-about players heading into the 2025 season, and now that he’s officially part of the Jazz, the team’s future looks brighter than ever.
Ace Bailey’s rise in the basketball world has been nothing short of meteoric. After a stellar high school career at Camden High School, where he led his team to a state championship and earned numerous accolades, Bailey took his talents to the University of Kentucky. There, he continued to refine his game, averaging 18 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists during his freshman season while displaying a defensive prowess that quickly caught the attention of scouts and analysts. Bailey’s unique combination of size and skill allows him to play multiple positions, and his explosive athleticism makes him a nightmare in transition and on the defensive end. As a result, his stock only continued to rise, and by the time the draft rolled around, he was widely considered one of the top players available.
For the Jazz, a team that has been in a transition phase since the departures of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert, Bailey represents the type of high-upside, versatile player they need to complete their rebuilding process. The Jazz have accumulated a talented group of young players, such as Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Collin Sexton, but they were still in search of a dynamic wing who could contribute immediately while also having the potential to develop into a star. Bailey fills that gap perfectly. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways, from scoring to playmaking to defending, gives the Jazz a player who can grow alongside their existing talent and eventually become the centerpiece of their franchise.
Offensively, Bailey’s game is as dynamic as it is efficient. He’s a smooth ball handler for his size and can create his own shot both in isolation and off the dribble. His jump shot is still a work in progress, but he has shown considerable improvement since high school, and his fluid mechanics suggest that his three-point shooting will continue to improve at the NBA level. Bailey is particularly dangerous in transition, where his speed and agility allow him to finish above the rim and capitalize on fast-break opportunities. In half-court settings, his ability to attack the rim, create separation, and finish through contact will add an element of unpredictability to the Jazz’s offense. His passing ability is also an underrated aspect of his game, as he has shown the vision and patience to make plays for his teammates, especially when drawing double-teams.
However, it’s Bailey’s defense that has really set him apart in this draft class. His length, lateral quickness, and competitive fire make him an elite defender capable of guarding multiple positions. At 6’7”, he can seamlessly switch between defending wings and smaller forwards, and his ability to guard on and off the ball will allow the Jazz to implement more flexible defensive schemes. In an era where perimeter defense and versatility are crucial, Bailey’s ability to disrupt passing lanes, challenge shots, and lock down opposing players will be a tremendous asset for the Jazz. His mentality on defense is one of his greatest strengths; he plays with intensity and pride, never backing down from a challenge. The Jazz, who are known for their defense-first philosophy, will look to harness Bailey’s abilities to create a more complete, two-way team.
When considering how Bailey fits into the Jazz’s current roster, the synergy between him and the team’s existing stars is hard to ignore. Lauri Markkanen, who emerged as the team’s primary scoring threat last season, will benefit from Bailey’s ability to draw defenders and create open shots. Markkanen’s shooting and scoring will allow Bailey the space he needs to drive to the basket and take advantage of mismatches, while Bailey’s passing and playmaking will complement Markkanen’s scoring abilities. Walker Kessler, one of the league’s most promising young centers, provides the rim protection and rebounding that will free up Bailey to focus on the perimeter. The combination of Kessler’s interior defense and Bailey’s perimeter prowess could give the Jazz one of the most balanced young cores in the league.
One of the biggest questions surrounding Bailey’s NBA transition is his consistency. While he possesses all the tools to be a star, he will need to refine his decision-making, particularly in terms of shot selection and understanding the flow of the game at the highest level. As with many young players, his ability to adjust to the speed of the NBA and to make smarter, quicker decisions with the ball will be key to his early success. That said, his high basketball IQ and work ethic suggest that he will be able to make the necessary adjustments. The Jazz coaching staff, known for its player development, will be the perfect environment for Bailey to grow. Under the guidance of head coach Will Hardy, who has shown a remarkable ability to develop young players, Bailey will have the resources and support he needs to maximize his potential.
Looking at the broader landscape of the NBA, the Jazz’s selection of Bailey at No. 5 feels like an astute move. The NBA has increasingly become a league dominated by wings who can shoot, defend, and create, and Bailey fits that mold perfectly. His combination of size, athleticism, and versatility allows him to be a two-way player who can contribute in multiple areas. Teams that rely too heavily on star power in the backcourt or frontcourt often find themselves at a disadvantage when facing teams with balanced, deep rosters. By adding Bailey, the Jazz are positioning themselves to be a more well-rounded, competitive team in the years to come. With Bailey as a potential building block, the Jazz could rise to prominence in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Bailey’s pick also signals a commitment to the long-term vision of the franchise. The Jazz have already shown a clear focus on developing young players and creating a sustainable foundation for future success. This draft selection is another step in that direction, as they continue to build a team capable of contending in the future. Bailey, who has the potential to become a star in the league, provides the Jazz with a clear path to continue their rebuild and, eventually, return to playoff contention.
As Bailey takes his first steps into the NBA, the expectations will be high. Fans in Utah are eager for their team to once again be relevant in the playoff race, and with a player like Bailey on the roster, that dream seems more attainable than ever. The Jazz have made significant strides in their rebuilding process, and adding a talent like Ace Bailey only accelerates that trajectory. Whether or not he can live up to the hype in his rookie season remains to be seen, but the potential is undeniable.
For Bailey, this is the beginning of what could be a long and successful NBA career. He enters the league with a solid foundation of skills, a relentless work ethic, and a desire to improve. His defensive ability alone should make an immediate impact for the Jazz, and if he can continue to develop his offensive game, he has the potential to become one of the league’s premier two-way players. With the right support and development, Bailey could very well evolve into the cornerstone of the Jazz’s future.
The 2025 NBA Draft will be remembered for many reasons, but Utah’s selection of Ace Bailey at No. 5 could very well be one of the most important. Bailey’s arrival signals the start of a new era for the Jazz, one in which defense, athleticism, and versatility will be at the forefront. For fans in Utah, the future has never looked so bright.
