India, June 26 -- The Utah Jazz selected Ace Bailey, the Rutgers freshman forward, with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday, despite reports that Bailey and his representatives preferred an East Coast team. Utah's decision, likely driven by GM Danny Ainge and new president of basketball operations Austin Ainge, was mocked on social media.

Bailey, an 18-year-old, 6-foot-7.5 wing, was always a top-five prospect, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks at Rutgers, with a 46% field goal percentage and 34.6% from three. His shot-making, likened to Kevin Durant and Jayson Tatum, and defensive upside, with a 7-foot wingspan and 4.1% block rate, made him a high-ceiling prospect.

However, concerns about his shot...