Former Rutgers star Ace Bailey tried to steer his path into the NBA by making his preferred destinations clear to league executives. Despite being the third-rated prospect for many draft pundits, Bailey preferred to go sixth overall to the Washington Wizards.

Bailey refused workouts with teams, canceling a session with the Philadelphia 76ers, who had the No. 3 overall pick in the draft. He also didn’t want to land fourth to the Charlotte Hornets or fifth with the Utah Jazz. Yet, he did have a private workout with the Wizards in Atlanta before the draft, according to Wizards insider Troy Haliburton.

As the 76ers and Hornets passed on Bailey, it appeared things were going according to plan. However, the Jazz, despite knowing Bailey’s desire, selected him a pick before Washington. Fans on social media made assumptions about Bailey’s body language and reaction to Utah’s selection.

According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, the Wizards considered trading up to acquire Bailey, a 6-foot-8 wing with a 7-foot wingspan. Washington could’ve moved up to fourth. However, the Hornets ultimately decided against a trade. Charlotte selected Duke wing Kon Knueppel with the fourth pick. The Hornets feared that by trading with the Wizards, the Jazz would have chosen Knueppel with their No. 5 pick.

Instead, Bailey and the Wizards were left hoping he slipped out of the top five.

Trying to call your shot as an incoming rookie is a tricky endeavor. The perception is that Bailey’s approach is an entitlement. Some fans, executives, and media may not understand. However, someone in Bailey’s position has the right to steer their ship.

76ers forward Paul George sounded off against Bailey for skipping his team’s workout.

“You’re not in a position to be making all these demands. Make it to the league first. His way of going about it is just not right.”

Fit, culture, coaching staff, and overall organizational structure all play a role in a player’s development. George should know that. Bailey didn’t care about his draft stock dropping. Whatever the reasons, Bailey and his camp didn’t like Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Utah.

Washington has become an intriguing destination for young players. The Wizards’ current front office has emphasized a rebuild around young talent. Last year, Alex Sarr was the top overall prospect, yet his preferred destination was the Wizards, who held the No. 2 overall pick.

Sarr didn’t want to go first overall to the Atlanta Hawks, and the Hawks obliged, passing on him and allowing him to land with the Wizards.

The Wizards are becoming a preferred destination for young players. President of Basketball Operations Michael Winger and General Manager Will Dawkins lead the Wizards front office. Washington has a young core that includes Sarr as well as Bilal Coulibaly, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George, and AJ Johnson. The team has added veterans by trading for Marcus Smart, Khris Middleton, and, more recently, CJ McCollum.

The Wizards’ build has resembled that of the Oklahoma City Thunder, whom both Winger and Dawkins worked for under the guidance of famed GM Sam Presti. Adding Bailey would have only amplified the perception.

Now, Ace Bailey must make the best of his opportunity in Utah.

“I can control what I can control,” Bailey said after being picked by the Jazz. “They feel how they feel. But my team and me, focusing on basketball and them doing what they’re doing, so it happens.”

Bailey added he had “no idea” the Jazz were interested in him. By the sounds of things, Bailey wasn’t interested in the Jazz. Utah plans to keep the pick. They’re embarking on a rebuild of their own. While they may not have the eye-candy pieces that the Wizards have, Bailey should have an ultimate green light there.

Bailey will have the opportunity to be coached and developed by Will Hardy’s staff, which includes assistant Steve Wojciechowski.

Still, there are additional factors to consider regarding how Bailey handled the draft process. Again, he now has to make the best of the situation.

The Wizards got a good consolation prize for missing out on Bailey, selecting Texas guard Tre Johnson with the sixth pick overall. Johnson led the SEC in scoring as a freshman with 19.9 points per game.

Wizards fans will be comparing Bailey and Johnson for years to come. Meanwhile, the relationship between Bailey and the Jazz organization, as well as its fans, will be intriguing to watch.