While it is no secret that the Dallas Mavericks and the San Antonio Spurs improved drastically on Wednesday night, holding the top two overall picks in the NBA Draft, the selections made by the Utah Jazz are not getting enough credit.
The 2025 class has the potential to be one of the best draft classes ever, with eight straight freshmen being selected for the first time.
While former Rutgers forward Ace Bailey declined to work out with the Utah Jazz, the front office decided to take a chance and select him with the fifth overall pick.
Before draft night, reports circulated that Bailey only wanted to be selected by either the Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or the Brooklyn Nets.
The front office, led by Danny Ainge, took a risk taking Bailey, but his potential cannot be ignored. The 6-foot-8 small forward averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game with the Scarlett Knights.
While Bailey’s shot selection needs to improve, adding him to one of the youngest teams in the league will allow him to grow his game.
He is capable of getting his shot off anywhere on the court, but with taller and stronger defenders in the NBA, Bailey will need to score more efficiently with the Jazz.
On the other side of the floor, Bailey is one of the top defenders in the draft, and due to his size and length, he can defend any position.
While Bailey is arguably one of the most athletic players in recent history, his ability to play off-ball will be vital to the team’s success. He sank in 94 threes lost season through catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Not only did the Jazz make a splash with Bailey, but they added one of the best pure shooters in the draft with former Florida guard Walter Clayton Jr.
Clayton took the college basketball world by storm after leading the Gators to the 2025 National Championship title. He cemented himself amongst the top three-point shooters in the country.
After guard Isaiah Collier put together a strong rookie campaign, it may be time for the Jazz to move on from Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson.
Keyonte George showed flashes last season, but his inconsistency may land him behind Clayton in the depth chart. Clayton, the 2025 Final Four Most Outstanding Player, is one of the top shot creators in the draft.
Clayton was expected to fall anywhere between the 14-20 range, but once Ainge saw him fall past pick No. 17, he traded up to select him 18th overall.
While Jazz fans may have been disappointed that the franchise fell to the fifth pick in the NBA Draft lottery back in May, no team added as much talent.
The Jazz will have a reloaded offense next season, and there is plenty to be excited about in Salt Lake City.
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