This is how every normal NBA player acts even when he has an issue with the team: he says the right things and the agent does all of the dirty work on his behalf. It is very clear that Ace did not want and does not want to be in Utah. It may change in the future but but for now it is what it is.
Utah Jazz Select Ace Bailey, Pick 5
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What metrics are you using? Utah is obviously nobody's first choice but I think he understands that it's a good fit for him and to just embrace it. As op said, he's been nothing but class so far. A huge chunk of him not being happy is just fabricated bs imo.
Yes, I agree "he understands that it's a good fit for him and to just embrace it". Because he does not have any other good options. However, before, during and after the draft Ace and his agent gave every possible (i.e. acceptable for NBA prospects) sign that he does not want to be on the Jazz. What could he have done more to show it without suffering career-inhibiting consequences?
Yeah, and Lauri seem to be happy in Utah now, and Memo, Gobert and AK were as well. Americans don't want to live in SLC for obvious reasons. If the Jazz want to have happy draftees they need to stick with drafting foreigners.Don't understand the stigma with Utah anymore
Jokic, Giannis, SGA all went to small market NBA teams and all became MVP players
Malone was two time MVP with Jazz
Utah is maybe not a prime location but is tolerable
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Why didn't you include Deron Williams (who lives in Utah) or Carlos Boozer (who literally works for the team)?
underdog
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I bet Ace told Omar that he didn't want to go to certain teams, and then they discussed it, and Omar said he could try to arrange it for him. And after it didn't work out, Ace had no choice but to agree to play for the Jazz. I also bet that when the season kicks off, he’ll be pumped to get on the court with the Jazz.
Did they want to be drafted by the Jazz? I never heard that. But yeah, with time some people learn to like the place they had to go. And some people never do. We will see what group Ace will end up being in.
The Jazz took their chances.
Oh, one more thought: in the last 30 years there were hundreds of players who spent a good chunk of their career in SLC and who are now retired. How many of them chose to live in SLC post-retirement besides Deron? I think it answers your question.
Pretty sure Dwill lives in Dallas. He has a place in Utah and spends time here, but I dont think he lives here.
I imagine that % is quite low for the overwhelming majority of cities with professional sports teams.
At the last second, I gave a slight edge to Ace over Tre because I believed he had more potential to be a two way player. Tre is 6'6 with a long wingspan, but he defends and rebounds like he's 6'1. I'd still have them in the same tier, but I'm feeling better about the decision to give the nod to Ace after these first couple days of free agency.