Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey has formally moved on from the person who guided him by way of one of many strangest pre-draft processes in latest reminiscence.
Bailey has parted methods with supervisor Omar Cooper simply three months after the 2025 NBA Draft, in accordance with The Athletic.
The 19-year-old ahead is now interviewing new illustration, although he has not made a ultimate resolution.
Cooper was on the heart of Bailey’s turbulent draft buildup. Regardless of being projected as a top-five decide, the Rutgers product was “the one U.S.-based prospect in your entire draft” to refuse exercises and interviews with NBA groups. Reviews even surfaced that Bailey’s camp “advised one workforce choosing within the high 5 to keep away from drafting his consumer.”
That plan was considered an try to steer Bailey towards the Washington Wizards, who held the sixth decide. As a substitute, the Utah Jazz took him at quantity 5, ignoring the noise.
Whereas the connection appeared rocky at first, issues stabilized as soon as Bailey reported to Salt Lake Metropolis. He rapidly flashed his potential in Summer season League, exhibiting “just a few flashes of greatness in two video games earlier than being sidelined with an damage.”
Cooper, who isn’t a licensed agent, was broadly believed to be the driving pressure behind Bailey’s refusal to interact with groups earlier than the draft. Transferring on from him now alerts a shift for the rookie, as he focuses on constructing belief and continuity with the Jazz.
“Bailey is reportedly in search of new illustration and has already carried out some interviews, although hasn’t settled on a alternative but,” The Athletic famous.
For the Jazz, Bailey’s resolution to separate with Cooper is probably going a optimistic step. After a controversial draft journey, the rookie ahead has the prospect to let his play do the speaking, and depart the behind-the-scenes drama firmly up to now.
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