After days of speculation, it’s official, Ace Bailey is heading to Utah.
The 18-year-old forward will report to the Jazz on Saturday, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, following conversations between the organization and Bailey’s camp that appear to have smoothed out any doubts.
“We’ve had good communication with Ace Bailey and his representatives,” a Jazz team official said. “We feel good about everything. Ace and his family are coming to Utah tomorrow. We’ll have a press conference Sunday, and a practice Monday.”
Bailey, who was selected No. 5 overall in Wednesday’s NBA Draft, will now begin preparing for his first professional action at Summer League, which kicks off on July 10.
Leading into the draft, Bailey’s name had been at the center of uncertainty. There were quiet questions about whether his camp would attempt to influence his destination, a rare move, but one not completely unheard of. Those concerns now appear to be in the rearview.
“He’s great,” said Jazz president of basketball operations Austin Ainge. “We were able to speak with him. He was super excited. We’re super excited. We’re expecting a very bright future.”
Bailey is coming off a standout freshman season at Rutgers, where he averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on his way to earning All-Big Ten honors.
Utah has made it clear they view Bailey as a key part of their future. And while his path to stardom might begin in Summer League, the expectations are already building.
The press conference is set for Sunday. Practice starts Monday. And if all goes according to plan, Bailey will be wearing a Jazz jersey in Las Vegas for Summer League less than two weeks from now.
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