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NBA reportedly canceled Utah Jazz’ plans with Ace Bailey
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- NBA reportedly canceled Utah Jazz’ plans with Ace Bailey
Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Leading up to the 2025 NBA Draft, top prospect Ace Bailey 's camp reportedly put out word that he didn't want to be selected by either the Charlotte Hornets or Utah Jazz . That apparently didn't matter to the Jazz, who made the Rutgers star the fifth overall pick in the first round of the NBA Draft.
While there was some initial drama that Bailey wouldn't report to the Jazz after they apparently ignored his wishes, those rumors were unfounded. However, the Jazz's decision to include the son of Bailey's advisor, Omar Cooper Jr, on Utah's Summer League coaching staff as an unpaid guest, may have helped the relationship.
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However, the NBA didn't like Utah's plans.
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon , Utah's inclusion of Cooper Jr on the staff as an unpaid guest was nixed when the NBA stepped in.
"The Jazz intended to help ease Bailey's transition to the NBA by having Omar Cooper Jr. serve as an unpaid guest coach during summer league. That plan was called off after the league office contacted the Jazz to raise concerns, sources told ESPN."
Bailey has already participated in his first summer league game with the Jazz, finishing with eight points while shooting 3-of-13 from the floor and grabbing seven rebounds in 25 minutes. Of course, the competition in summer league is much different than what he'll face in a regular season game, but he has plenty of time to get acclimated.
Related: NBA Rumors: Insider shares high Walker Kessler trade asking price by Utah Jazz
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