The NBA has always been a fun and exciting event for all fans, prospects, and teams to look forward to, but it definitely would not be what it is without a bit of drama. But in the last couple of years, too much drama, and too much whining has left the night without the spark it once had, and players begin to let not only their ego, but their attitude get in the way of what should be joy and jubilation.
As the 2025 draft night commenced last night, it was as it usually is, a night of emotion and pride, but not for everybody. Rutgers Ace Bailey was the main talking point of the night, and not for the right reasons, and before his NBA career has even started, he is already on many fans' bad sides.
Bailey who was destined to go in the top three of the draft had a lot to say for himself when rejecting to workout with any of the top five teams in the draft, the five being San Antonio, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah, and made it clear that his favoured destinations were Washington and New Orleans. But, as draft night is meant to go, it often isn't the players choice, but Bailey let his own entitlement and immaturity get in the way of that.
When getting drafted it is often a time to put yourself at ease, and feel the pride and excitement of finally being drafted to the NBA, but after being drafted with the fifth overall pick to Utah, that was not the case for Ace Bailey. Straight faces, and disappointment all around, it was clear Bailey was unhappy with the decision Utah made, but at the end of the day, fans believe Bailey is on the ungrateful side, and should feel the privilege of heading in the top five. What wound up fans even more than his demeanor was the fact he acted as if the Jazz in some way turned their back on him, and did not listen to his request not to be drafted, and how he felt he was too good to head to an organisation like Utah. Sure right now they aren't in the best position ever, but neither are Charlotte, or Philadelphia, but the reaction shown by third overall V.J Edgecombe shows what draft night is truly about, not a night to throw a tantrum, and certainly not a night to take for granted.
Bailey’s future is still in the dark as of now, but his actions on draft night really show how ego’s and entitlement is really getting in the way of what the NBA draft should be. Not a night for personal decisions, and holding out for what the player wants, but going to a team where you can make a difference, and time to celebrate everything you have worked for, something Ace Bailey simply did not show.
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