Jazz's Ace Bailey makes major business decision ahead of rookie season

Ace Bailey isn’t playing around heading into his rookie NBA season.

The highly touted Utah Jazz contributor recently made a major business decision that could help set him up for future success.

“Utah Jazz rookie forward Ace Bailey has parted ways with manager Omar Cooper and is in the process of getting new representation, ”ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported Wednesday. 

“Bailey, the No. 5 pick by the Jazz, made the decision in the wake of a peculiar draft process that included -- as ESPN reported in June -- his representatives telling a team inside the top five that they didn't want it to select him and that he wouldn't report if it did.”

“At the time, the belief was that Bailey and his team were hoping to guide him to the Washington Wizards, who had the sixth pick. But Utah -- in the first draft helmed by newly hired president of basketball operations Austin Ainge -- took Bailey fifth, opening a brief window where it was unclear whether he would report.”

Before Cooper Flagg cemented himself as the clear No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft late last season, some believed that Bailey had a case to be the first player chosen in June. 

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The Chattanooga, Tennessee native’s tough shot-making and fearless demeanor in high-pressure situations were impressive during his lone season with the Scarlet Knights. 

Bailey averaged 17.6 points per game alongside Dylan Harper (the No. 2 overall pick) in Piscataway, New Jersey, shooting 46.0% from the field and 34.6% from three-point land in 30 contests. 

With Bailey starting his professional journey without Cooper, who was deemed a significant distraction during the summer, the 19-year-old has every reason to be excited about the upcoming NBA season.

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