Ace Bailey (R) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver (L) after being drafted fifth overall by the Utah Jazz during the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by …
NEW YORK - The Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey, a 6-foot-8 forward from Rutgers University, with the fifth overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night.
What we know:
Bailey, a former McEachern High School star from Powder Springs enters the league with a reputation as a versatile, athletic shotmaker who can stretch defenses with his midrange and stepback abilities. While considered a streaky shooter, he flashed high upside in January with five games hitting at least four 3-pointers. Scouts, however, have expressed concerns over his inconsistency at the free-throw line and behind the arc.
Despite being ranked the No. 2 recruit in the country last season and playing alongside fellow top prospect Dylan Harper, Bailey was unable to lift Rutgers to a winning record. Still, he posted solid freshman numbers: 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists and 1.3 blocks per game on 46.0% shooting in 30 starts.
Local perspective:
His high school career was even more dominant. As a senior at McEachern, Bailey averaged 32.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game while leading the Indians to a Class AAAAAAA state championship appearance and a top-15 national ranking. He was named 2024 Mr. Georgia Basketball and a McDonald’s All American.
Dig deeper:
Questions surrounding Bailey emerged ahead of the draft. He canceled a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who held the No. 3 pick, and reportedly skipped meetings with all other teams. His measurements at the combine — 6-foot-7½ in shoes — and a 0.8 assist-to-turnover ratio raised red flags among some scouts. Concerns were also cited about his decision-making and maturity during interviews.
Even so, Bailey’s athleticism, 7-foot wingspan, and comparisons to NBA stars Paul George and Giannis Antetokounmpo kept him firmly on the radar for several franchises. Teams like the Brooklyn Nets were reportedly monitoring his draft status closely and considering a move up if he began to fall.
What's next:
Ultimately, the Jazz opted to bet on Bailey’s upside. At just 18 years old — he turns 19 in August — he offers a rare blend of scoring, length, and positional versatility that could pay off with the right development.
The Source: This article sources FOX Sports, the Associated Press and previous High 5 Sports reports. Additional details and stats were provided by McEachern High School. This article is being reported out of Atlanta.