In the lead-up the 2025 NBA Draft, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey made some curious decisions. Despite being one of the top prospects in the draft, Bailey refused to work out or meet with teams. He was the only U.S.-based prospect in the entire draft to make that decision.
It created a situation where Bailey, who many considered a top-five player in the draft, was going to fall out of that range. That may have been exactly what those around Bailey wanted, as reports emerged claiming Bailey’s representation told one team picking in the top five to avoid drafting his client.
The ploy didn’t work out. The Utah Jazz took the plunge on Bailey at No. 5. And while the start of that relationship seemed rocky, things have generally gone well so far.
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Three months after the NBA Draft, the person at the center of all that drama may no longer be in the picture. Bailey has reportedly parted ways with manager Omar Cooper, according to The Athletic. Bailey is reportedly seeking new representation and has already performed some interviews, though hasn’t settled on a choice yet.
Cooper, who is not a certified agent, essentially acted as the point person for Bailey in the lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft. Cooper was said to be the person behind Bailey’s decision to decline workouts with NBA teams ahead of the draft. After the draft, reports emerged suggesting that ploy was part of a movement to get Bailey to fall to the Washington Wizards, which held the No. 6 overall pick in the draft. It didn’t work.
The Jazz seemingly haven’t had any issues with Bailey since he reported to the team. The rookie even showed off a few flashes of greatness in two Summer League games before being sidelined with an injury.
While his predraft process was rough, Bailey has a chance to put that all behind him if he can produce with the Jazz. Parting ways with the guy who didn’t want Bailey to land in Utah is probably a sign Bailey is ready to move on.
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