It's funny to think that because the Utah Jazz *technically* had the worst-case scenario at the NBA Draft Lottery, they had to *technically* settle for Ace Bailey. Despite being awarded the No. 5 pick, no one complained then, and no one has since.
In fact, the hype for Bailey has gotten even stronger after the Jazz drafted him, as he's only continued to show out with a temporary bigger role for Utah in the season's closing weeks.
They say the ends don't justify the means, but when it comes to Utah getting their hands on Bailey through tanking, this is not one of those times. Yahoo Sports! Kevin O'Connor pointed this out when Dan Clayton gave a glimpse of both how talented Bailey already is and where his potential could take him.
This is why teams tank. It’s not just for a chance to get #1. It’s for the pick floor. Utah falling from best odds to #5 was the “worst case scenario” on lotto night. Yet they still might’ve landed a star. https://t.co/f8VdPtfkdP
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnor) March 29, 2026
Bailey's continued development could be the X-Factor for how far the Jazz go next season. While Utah already knows what they're going to get from Lauri Markkanen, Jaren Jackson Jr., Keyonte George, and Walker Kessler, Bailey's unclear ceiling next season
And that's precisely why the Jazz go through these painful tanking processes. Because it affords them the chance to get their hands on Bailey and players of the same caliber as him (if not higher). Players like him not only should make next year's team awesome, but it should also make the team good for years to come.
Bailey showing the makings of a franchise player is also why Utah should feel more than justified to execute that same strategy this season.
Could you imagine the Jazz with another Ace Bailey-like player?
It's not guaranteed yet, but it would take a ridiculous amount of bad luck for Utah not to get their hands on a high lottery pick when this season's done. Because 2026 has been regarded as one of the deepest pools of talent the league has ever seen, the Jazz played this right, whether Adam Silver likes it or not.
Bailey is an exciting enough player on his own, but to get another high-ceiling prospect like him to add to a team with the postseason weighing heavily on their minds next season? It gives the Jazz the rare opportunity to build both an exciting present and future!
It's why, as painful as it is to watch Utah not only lose so many games but even strategize to lose in the fashion they have, it's tolerable in the end. Next season, they'll see the fruits of their labors in full effect, and the possibilities are so strong that any fan would laugh if asked if it was all worth it in the end.
The Jazz drafted a potential superstar in Bailey through tanking, and they may very well do the same three months from now. It may not be long before the fanbase collectively says they wouldn't have it any other way.