SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz went out looking for a superstar in Wednesday's NBA Draft, and they may have ended up getting two.
Utah selected Rutgers guard Ace Bailey with the fifth overall selection in the first round, crossing their fingers that Bailey can become the player that guides the team out of its lengthy rebuild that began with the trades of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert.
While Bailey confounded many in the league with his pre-draft strategy of turning down all team interviews, including, reportedly, an invitation from the Jazz, Utah felt no fear in selecting him so high. At 6-8, Bailey is versatile with his offensive abilities, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in his lone season with the Scarlet Knights.
Associated Press scouting report on Bailey:
Versatile, athletic shotmaker with midrange and stepback skills. Streaky shooter had five January games with at least four 3s for defense-stretching potential, yet also notable skids at the foul line and behind the arc. Last season’s second-ranked recruit couldn’t lift Rutgers to a winning record despite playing with fellow top prospect Dylan Harper. Turns 19 in August.
FOX 13's Morgan Vance breaks down the Bailey pick and what it means to the Jazz:
Later in the first round, the Jazz traded up with Washington to grab Florida Gators star Walter Clayton Jr. at No. 18. The senior guard led the Gators to the National Championship in April after being named first-team AP All-American.
Associated Press scouting report on Clayton Jr.:
Gamer who elevated from averaging 17.2 points and 36.4% on 3-pointers in the regular season to 22.3 and 43.5% in March Madness. Began career at Iona.
With the additions of Bailey and Clayton Jr. to a team that includes Lauri Markkanen, Isaiah Collier, Keyonte George and Walker Kessler, the Jazz hope their days of tanking are over. The team's new president of basketball operations, Austin Ainge, said the Jazz are playing to win now, and all two first round picks could be the missing parts that gets Utah back on track.
