The Ace Bailey saga continues to get weirder.
Given the chance to clear up Bailey’s future with the Jazz, his agent, Omar Cooper, declined comment in an interview with ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on Thursday night.
ESPN’s Brian Windhorst added that the Rutgers star has yet to report to the Jazz, who selected him with the fifth pick in Salt Lake City; Utah’s other first-round draft pick, Florida star Walter Clayton, has.
The Jazz did not have an issue with this, according to Windhorst, but “will not be pushed around” and forced into moving Bailey to a team he wants.
Cooper did defend the pre-draft process he reportedly oversaw, which has been widely criticized.
Bailey canceled his pre-draft workout with the 76ers, who picked at No. 3, just a day before it was scheduled, which surprised the NBA world.
“He told me there is nothing uncommon about Ace Bailey’s pre-draft process.” Givony said. “Eighteen teams interviewed him, they all saw him work out at the NBA draft combine. They all have their medicals and measurements. He is not the first player to decline or cancel workouts.”
Stil, plenty were critical of Bailey’s actions.
One NBA All-Star, the 76ers’ Paul George, spoke out about the behavior displayed by Bailey.
“I mean, I think if I’m Ace Bailey I can’t get mad if my stock drops,” he said. “But, he’s canceled all workouts. Like he hasn’t worked out for any team. So, I think they made a big deal cause we were scheduled to work him out and he canceled the day of. But he hasn’t worked out for any team. But, you’re not in a position to be making those demands. Make it to the league first. It’s for sure the people around him. I don’t know whose representing him, but I don’t think they’re going about it the right way.”
Givony also reported that Bailey’s reps told one team in the top five that they did not want them to select him and he “would not report” if they did so.
It is unclear which team was told that. Earlier reports indicated that Bailey’s wish was to play for the Wizards, who picked sixth, or the Nets at No. 8.
Although there is all this drama that has followed Bailey around, his talent is undeniable.
The freshman tore it up at Rutgers, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His teammate, Dylan Harper went to the San Antonio Spurs as the No.2 overall pick.