Utah Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge loves what 2025 #5 pick Ace Bailey can bring to the team with his skillset/joyfulness. (averaged 17.6 PPG/7.2 RPG/1.3 APG/1.0 SPG/1.3 BPG/46.0% FG/51.1% 2-PT/34.6% 3-PT/69.2% FT in 30 games played as an 18-year-old freshman at Rutgers last season).
(via Utah Jazz):
“Ace is extremely talented. Shotmaker. Big, long, athletic. His scoring gets a lot of attention, deservedly so. He’s very skilled for his size, but watching a lot of film on him, I was impressed with his defensive effort and particularly his rebounding. A lot of weak side blocked shots. And his joy and energy for the game — we do a lot of background calls and work on guys — and everyone loves being around Ace. He’s fun, smiles every day. Just a breath of fresh air in the gym.”
