NBA Draft night is typically a special moment for players and their families, who get to see years of hard work pay off. Nowadays, however, the trend is starting to shift now that college athletes are getting paid before coming to the NBA. Ace Bailey, who already has the confidence of a basketball star, made it clear that he only wanted a very specific landing spot, and he was nearly moved to tears when he didn’t get his way.
After his name was called on draft night, the young star went viral, and his reaction could be seen on video. Clearly, he was less than pleased with the results, and the look on his face portrayed great disappointment.
Ace Bailey looks like he’s about to cry 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/uUSv48PJqb
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 26, 2025
Things were even worse behind the scenes, as Ace was seemingly caught wiping away tears as he discovered his draft day fate. He was borderline inconsolable as some of his associates tried (and failed) to offer comfort.
Ace Bailey backstage after getting drafted by the Utah Jazz pic.twitter.com/a279nQJ9Kl
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 26, 2025
Bailey, who was a lottery pick this year, revealed several preferred landing spots before the draft: the Wizards, Pelicans, and Nets. He wanted to join a team where he could take the reins right away and lead them to success early in his career.
For whatever reason, the Jazz weren’t on Bailey’s list, and it seems he doesn’t have confidence in his future there. Whether it’s their inability to attract free agents or their history of failure in the playoffs, Bailey wanted nothing to do with the Jazz, but it seems team President Danny Ainge decided to draft him anyway.
In his first press conference as a member of the Jazz, Ace revealed his shock at the turn of events, but he did also express gratitude that his lifelong dream has come true.
“It’s a blessing. I’m smiling hard right now because I know the hard work, the sacrifices, the blood, the sweat, the tears that me and my family put into it,” said Bailey.
Ace refused to work out for any team leading up to the draft, in hopes of forcing his desired outcome. Instead, all it did was make the night completely unpredictable, and he admits he had ‘no idea’ that the Jazz were even interested in drafting him.
With nothing else to do about it, Bailey must accept his new reality if he wants to maximize his NBA career. After a modest season at Rutgers, where he averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on 46.0% shooting, he has the potential to become a star in the NBA, and it starts next season in his rookie campaign.
While tonight did not give him the results he hoped for, Bailey should still be looking to make the most of his opportunity and prove that he can still deliver at the highest levels of play. If he does good enough in Utah, perhaps he can leave for a new team in a few years, but the organization might not be a bad place for him to find success.
With Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and Walker Kessler, the Jazz have talented players across the roster, and they could make some noise if Bailey can make an impact on day one.
