Publicly, Ace Bailey’s said nothing to indicate that he doesn’t want to be a member of the Utah Jazz.

Privately, well — let’s just say that finding the truth is murkier. There’s been plenty of reporting and speculation to suggest that playing for the Jazz is far from Bailey’s first choice.

But he’s a member of the Jazz after they selected him with the No. 5 pick in the NBA Draft. And on Sunday, he tamped down ongoing speculation that his future with the team is in doubt. 

Bailey met with media at his introductory news conference in Salt Lake City and was asked directly if there was any point in which he considered not reporting to the team. 

“Nah, not at all,” Bailey said. “Just blessed to be in this position I am. 

“Not a lot of people can sit in these chairs and have great teammates as I’ve got on, they came on with me. So I’m just blessed to be here.”

So that settles that, right? 

Probably not. Until Bailey signs his contract and puts on a Jazz uniform for a real live NBA game, speculation will linger that Bailey will try to find a way out. But for now, he’s saying the things that indicate he’s happy — or content at least — to play for the team that drafted him. 

And Jazz social media is going all out to reinforce that yes, Bailey is a member of the team.

Here’s a post from the airport Saturday amid speculation that Bailey wouldn’t report demonstrating proof that Bailey was actually in Salt Lake City. He’s even got a Jazz T-shirt on.

Here’s another from Saturday night showing Bailey dunking in a Jazz gym.

And here’s another on Sunday of Bailey answering questions from a social media producer about his first impressions of Utah. 

He loves the mountains and fry sauce, which is apparently a thing in Utah. So, see? He’s happy, right?

Even if he isn’t, he doesn’t have attractive options otherwise. His other recourse that doesn’t involve leaving the NBA would be an attempt to force a trade or be ready to sit the entire season as he’s ineligible to join another team. Both are messy and likely wouldn’t serve his short- or long-term interests. 

So for now, and likely for the foreseeable future, Ace Bailey is, indeed, a member of the Utah Jazz.