As the 2025 NBA Draft began its final lap, Ace Bailey’s stock looked like a roller coaster—twists and turns, some stomach-dropping surprises, and a whole lot of noise over his agent’s pre-draft strategy. Drafted 5th overall by the Utah Jazz, Bailey’s path took an unexpected detour, but that twist has everyone talking, especially about the agent steering the ship. Let’s dive into what went down, what fans are saying, and why this might be the most compelling subplot in this draft’s drama.

Rutgers’ electrifying wing, Ace Bailey, was poised for the top of the lottery. At one point, he was seen as a top-three pick—NBA powerhouses were ready to roll out the red carpet. But in the weeks leading up to draft night, Bailey’s team started turning down pre-draft workouts—yes, even with teams like the 76ers, who held the No. 3 spot.

Former NBA point guard Jeff Teague didn’t hold back: “The dumbest move I’ve ever heard from an agent in my life.” Hardball words, but they highlight the risk of opting out in hopes of sending a message. When the Jazz swooped in at No. 5, many were left scratching their heads: Was Bailey’s silence a clever negotiation ploy—or a costly misstep?

Turns out, Bailey never even met the Jazz in person before the pick. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony noted on draft night that Utah “was not one of his preferred destinations.” That sentiment apparently didn’t stop Utah from taking a shot, because his offense is that lucrative.

Despite all the drama, remember this: Bucks and Kings aren’t drafting pundits—they draft winners. The Jazz took Ace Bailey because of what he does on the court. A 6’7″, three-level scorer with silky touch around the rim and deep range, Bailey was one of the best pure shot-makers in the 2025 class.

Utah, fresh off a 17-win collapse, is desperate for a young star to build around. Cody Williams, Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George—good pieces, but no centerpiece. That’s where Bailey comes in. Front office brass, including Austin Ainge, reportedly told Givony: “We really like Ace Bailey as a player and a fit in our program.” No trade buzz—at least not for now.

Fan Reactions Explode as Draft Gamble Backfires — With Deep Concerns Over Bailey’s Agent

“Ace’s facial expressions say a lot lol,” said one fan. Ace Bailey’s stone-faced reactions on draft night weren’t just random—they reflected the approach his camp has taken for weeks. Multiple insiders noted his team believed he was a lock for picks 3–5, and acted accordingly by skipping workouts with certain teams. The idea? Create a sense of exclusivity and confidence to boost perceived value.
But here’s the problem: that strategy can alienate front offices that want to see engagement and enthusiasm. When prospects like Dylan Harper and Tre Johnson are showing up, smiling, and shaking hands, Bailey’s approach came off cold and calculated, possibly creating friction before he even hit the court.

One fan was particularly observant: “Ace Bailey’s agent will never get another client… cost Ace $5M tonite…”Bailey is repped by Omar Cooper, head of LifeStyle Sports Agency—and yes, that’s the same Omar Cooper, the father of Sharife Cooper. Reports say Omar turned down workout invites from multiple teams, including a confirmed session with the 76ers (No. 3 pick), based on belief his client didn’t need to “audition.” That move may have cost Bailey a $10–15 million hit in total rookie contract value. The difference between being drafted third and fifth isn’t just prestige—it’s salary scale, endorsement positioning, and contract options down the line. Fans fear this decision wasn’t just a bad read—it could cost Ace future leverage and perception in a league where image management is half the job.

Another user chimed in: “Ace Bailey did all that politicking just to get sent to Utah for 7 years.” The joke cuts deep because there’s some truth to it. Rookie contracts in the NBA are structured to benefit the team, not the player. Drafted 5th overall, Bailey will be on a 4-year rookie-scale deal, with team options in years 3 and 4, and restricted free agency right after that. Translation? He’s under Utah’s control for as long as they want him, with few options for early escape.
Had he landed with a more preferred team—or been more open in pre-draft meetings—he may have had more control over his situation. Instead, he finds himself tethered to a rebuilding franchise that wasn’t even on his list. It’s not a career death sentence, but it’s definitely not the scenario his camp envisioned.

“His agent is about to ruin his NBA career… his agent is Sharife Cooper’s Dad…” clamored another fan. For those unfamiliar with the Sharife Cooper saga, here’s the deal. A five-star recruit and top high school guard, Sharife’s one-and-done stint at Auburn was derailed by eligibility issues tied to his father’s agent dealings and AAU involvement. He ended up going undrafted in 2021, struggled to find NBA footing, and is now hooping overseas.

Another take had fans absolutely wheezing: “Non-Eagles related: Ace Bailey and his ‘agent’ acting the way that they did throughout the entire draft process only to land in Utah is hilarious.”  Bailey and his camp were cancelling every single pre-draft workout like they were allergic to exposure. Reports even confirmed that a late 76ers session was scrapped last minute, causing veteran voices like Paul George to chime in. And who was behind all this? The ever-controversial Omar Cooper. Rumors flew that Bailey’s camp had locked in a promise from a team in the 6–8 range (Wizards, Nets, Pelicans), trying to reroute the draft map like an NBA-themed episode of “House of Cards.” In the end? The Jazz still called his name at No. 5. The entire fanbase couldn’t help but marvel at the irony: all that draft day maneuvering just to end up somewhere he reportedly didn’t even want to be.

Fans drawing parallels aren’t just being petty—they’re concerned that Omar Cooper is once again putting personal branding and power plays ahead of long-term basketball development. With Ace Bailey now facing scrutiny over decision-making and direction, the optics don’t look good—and the comparisons to Sharife are now haunting instead of helpful.

Ace Bailey’s case shouts caution to every pre-draft hopeful: workouts aren’t just drills—they’re phone numbers and impressions. You skip them, you risk how GMs perceive your character, focus, and team-first attitude. And yet Utah clearly believes in Bailey’s talent. They’re banking on offense and star potential over PR optics. That’s a statement: talent + need = risk worth taking. One thing is for certain: Ace Bailey enters the NBA not just as a talented scorer, but as a lesson in draft-day chess, where every move off the court counts just as much as those on it.