SALT LAKE CITY – Ace Bailey is “thrilled” to be playing for the Utah Jazz, according to the president of GSE, the rookie’s marketing agency.
Leading up to the draft, Bailey refused workouts with several top teams, reportedly in hopes of landing with the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets, but was selected by the Jazz with the fifth overall pick.
Related: What Are Jazz Getting In Ace Bailey?
Ace Bailey “Thrilled” to be a member of the Jazz
In an interview with Front Office Sports, Andrew Witlieb, the president of GSE Worldwide, discussed Bailey’s feelings about being drafted by the Jazz.
“He’s thrilled to be going to Utah,” Witlieb said. “Obviously, it’s an honor to be selected in the top five of the NBA Draft, and we think he can do a lot of great things out there.”
Bailey and the Jazz spoke during the NBA Combine, but the talented wing didn’t travel to Utah during the predraft process to hold an individual workout.
Ace Bailey’s representation joined @FOS_Today to dispel rumors about Bailey not wanting to play for the Utah Jazz.
Full conversation ⬇️
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 27, 2025
“They saw him at the combine, they scouted him extensively,” Witlieb added. “Last year, he went to Rutgers — Big Ten — they had multiple, 10-20 scouts at every single game. This is not a guy that they didn’t have film on.”
While the Jazz were able to attract other top 10 picks for workouts, including Texas freshman Tre Johnson and Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears, Bailey’s camp steered the 18-year-old away from private meetings.
“I do think that was a story that was blown out of proportion,” Witlieb added. “So many teams pick players that don’t work out for them.”
The Jazz selected Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr. with the 18th pick in the first round, despite the guard canceling his workout in Utah after rumors emerged that he’d gotten a promise from the Miami Heat with the 20th pick.
But, in recent days, reports surrounding Bailey’s willingness to play in Utah escalated, with ESPN’s Jay Silas adding fuel to the fire during the NBA Draft’s second round.
Saw this on @ESPN’s TikTok, but my understanding is the plan was never to have the press conference today before the second round.
I’ve not gotten any indication that Ace Bailey doesn’t plan to report to Utah. pic.twitter.com/LdyTqWxRZu
— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) June 27, 2025
“It’s odd, not showing up right after you’re drafted,” Bilas said to the panel of analysts after the draft. “Usually, there’s a press conference the next day, everybody flies in that was drafted. So, it’s unusual.”
However, KSL Sports has learned that the Jazz never planned to host their introductory press conference with the rookies on Thursday, and expect the players to arrive in Utah throughout the weekend.
Avery Bradley, a member of the Jazz’s front office, confirmed that the team expected Bailey to be in Utah ahead of Monday’s summer practice schedule to prepare for the Salt Lake City Summer League.
“It is my understanding that all of our draft picks are going to be here this weekend and preparing for Summer League,” Bradley said.
Ace Bailey will report to the Jazz on Saturday, the team announced.
“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” a Jazz representative told ESPN. “We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow.” pic.twitter.com/sspVM0Cyon
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) June 27, 2025
On Friday, ESPN reported that Bailey will be in Utah on Saturday to join the team.
“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” a Jazz representative told ESPN. “We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow.”
Jazz rookies are expected to make their NBA debut on Saturday, July 5, against the Philadelphia 76ers to open the Salt Lake City Summer League.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone . Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.