The Utah Jazz drafting Ace Bailey caused quite a stir. There's been an ongoing narrative since Utah drafted him that he doesn't want to play for them. However, that notion was easily refuted by his agent yesterday, and yet sadly, the narrative is still going on.
ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealed that Bailey has not flown to Utah yet, which is certainly noteworthy and it could be a concern. However, while it hasn't turned into a game of chicken yet, Utah is ready to play if that's where this is headed.
Brian Windhorst: "Danny Ainge & his son, Austin, are not gonna bend here. They are not gonna get pushed around."
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 27, 2025
SVP: "This seems kinda ridiculous to me. [Ace Bailey is] good, but he's not this good. To be trying to dictate to people don't take me. Like, what the hell is that?" https://t.co/JgcF4f5cpl pic.twitter.com/Mkr5eyasrL
Nonetheless, this blew up because many are skeptical of Bailey's desire to play in Utah because of his refusal to work out for multiple teams before the draft. However, one of Bailkey's representatives talked to Front Office Sports to debunk the myth that Bailey does not want to play for the Jazz.
Ace Bailey's representation joined @FOS_Today to dispel rumors about Bailey not wanting to play for the Utah Jazz.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 27, 2025
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The bottom line is that no one should act like they know exactly what's going on until Bailey makes his trip out to Utah before Summer League practice starts. The sky isn't falling, and no one should act like it is until it does, in this case.
Why Bailey should give Utah a chance
Look, we get it. Utah's not exactly an NBA hot spot. It doesn't have the glamour that Los Angeles or New York has. It doesn't offer certain perks, such as no income state taxes, like Miami or Dallas do. However, it does have a fanbase that will embrace its stars and commemorate them for years to come.
Don't believe that? Jazz fans still welcome back Donovan Mitchell with open arms all these years later. Even after Deron Williams had a public falling out with the team, fans forgave him years later, as he has since raved about his time in Utah.
Fans shouldn't be surprised that Utah can be an acquired taste for some NBA players (spoiler alert: they're not). However, players shouldn't be surprised by the fact that the Jazz have a very strong fanbase that will take to players who embrace their role on the team.
Utah definitely wasn't his first choice, but does anyone know of any players who preferred playing for the Jazz right from the start? Like ever? Starting an NBA career in Utah has never been anyone's preferred choice, but when players get a good taste of what it's about and what the team can do for them, their reservations usually go away.
Bailey wanted a team that would give him the keys right away. The Jazz can give him that. Add their extensive success as a franchise, and this could be the perfect situation for him. If and when Bailey reaches his potential in Utah, we may look at this situation and laugh when it's all said and done.