How did the Utah Jazz fare?
The 2025 NBA Draft’s first round took place on Wednesday night, during which the Jazz made two key selections:
- Ace Bailey with the No. 5 pick.
- Walker Clayton with the No. 18 pick.
Now in their third year (and approaching four) of a rebuild, the Jazz are urgently seeking young players with potential to become stars.
Did Bailey and Clayton fit that need? Here’s what experts are saying about the Jazz’s first-round choices.
ESPN
Jonathan Givony, a leading name in NBA draft analysis, praised the Jazz for selecting Bailey at No. 5. He noted that the pick was unexpected since Bailey’s camp had limited his interactions with teams to influence where he’d land, reportedly targeting Washington or Brooklyn. Still, the Jazz took a chance on Bailey, who was projected as a top-three prospect.
“Despite his decision to skip workouts with Utah and other teams, the Jazz felt confident about drafting him. Their front office had ample opportunities to assess him during the season,” wrote Givony, highlighting Bailey’s strong athleticism and scoring skills, which the Jazz desperately require.
The Ringer
Bailey attracted considerable attention from analysts, viewed as a player with genuine star potential. Dann Chau emphasized that Utah’s supportive environment makes it an ideal place for Bailey’s development, noting that the team has been searching for a standout wing since Gordon Hayward’s departure.
The Athletic
John Hollinger and Sam Vecenie provided analysis on both picks, giving a mixed review. While Bailey’s potential was acknowledged, concerns were raised about his all-around game and fit within the Jazz’s existing roster. Vecenie was optimistic about Bailey’s chances of becoming a key player, provided he addresses specific areas for improvement.
NBC Sports
Kurt Helin assigned a B grade to the Jazz’s first round. He lauded Bailey’s potential while expressing skepticism about whether Clayton was the best choice given other available players. However, he noted that Clayton could emerge as a viable backup for the team.
Yahoo Sports
Kevin O’Connor was somewhat critical, giving Bailey a B grade due to concerns over his raw and inconsistent play. However, he was impressed with Clayton, awarding him an A+ and comparing his skills to those of famous sharpshooters.
Bleacher Report
Zach Buckley rated Bailey’s pick as an A-. He emphasized the potential benefits of taking a chance on Bailey, although he remained less enthusiastic about Clayton, giving that pick a C+ and citing roster considerations.
