Ace Bailey mock draft roundup: Where will the Rutgers star land?

USA Today

25-06-2025

The 2025 NBA Draft is set to begin in a few hours at the Barclays Center in New York City, where the top players will hear their names called. One of these top prospects is Ace Bailey from the Rutgers Scarlet Knights.
Bailey has been in the headlines leading up to the NBA Draft due to not working out with teams, including a cancellation with the Philadelphia 76ers that has raised questions about his mindset. This situation has led to speculation among teams and players, causing some doubts. Despite this, Bailey has stated that he is "focused on basketball," via ESPN.
Bailey's scoring ability in the paint and his defensive range are his standout features. The freshman guard's impressive average of 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game during his only season with the Scarlet Knights, who finished 11th in the Big Ten.
This is where experts predict Bailey will be selected and land during the NBA Draft.
More: 2025 NBA Draft live updates: Start time, where to watch, draft order
Ace Bailey mock draft roundup
Here are the predictions about where Ace Bailey will be drafted.
Staff writes: "Bailey is a hyper-athletic wing with length and size coming into a league that prioritizes players built exactly the way he is with exactly the skill set he has: an effortless and reliable shot and an attack-first mentality with an ability to finish at the rim. Needs to improve as a playmaker on the pass and free throws. But even when offense isn't easy, he remains active on defense. He had 17 points, seven rebounds, three steals and one block in season-ending loss to USC. He is the only U.S. player who has not worked out for any teams, and his approach to the draft could impact where he is drafted."
Jonathan Givony writes: "Despite the negative publicity this move has generated, rival agents are closely monitoring Bailey's strategy, recognizing the clear benefits of guiding clients to more favorable situations with an eye on maximizing long-term earning potential. Bailey could potentially recoup the money he loses in his first contract with a much larger second contract, especially if he achieves his very high ceiling as an All-Star-caliber shotmaking wing."
Kyle Boone writes: "Bailey's curious handling of the pre-draft process -- including canceling on a workout with the 76ers last week days before it was slated to take place -- has potentially cost him millions and imperiled his position as a top-five pick. But his combination of size, scoring and youth at this point feels tough to pass on. Washington could welcome him into a position where he walks in as a rookie averaging 18+ points per game."
Kurt Helin writes: "Bailey's predraft decision not to work out for any team, along with interviews at the Draft Combine that teams described as 'immature' and 'poorly prepared' has front offices concerned about his choices and representation — he could fall a lot further than sixth. On paper, Bailey checks all the boxes of a prototypical modern NBA wing: Great size, freak athlete, high motor, can create his own shot, can shoot the 3 (36.7% this season), and is a tough shot maker. However, he doesn't show much desire to apply that athleticism in defense, he doesn't have a great feel for the game or polish, and he had to be a tough shot maker because of his questionable shot selection. He's a project. Washington is a team that has demonstrated patience and has shown, in recent years, that it can develop players, so he's worth the risk."
Kevin O'Connor writes: "Maybe there's a method to the madness in Bailey's camp, steering him to a team where he can get more shots and be surrounded by veterans like he could be for the Wizards. There's a chance teams could move above Washington to get Bailey, but most executives around the NBA expect the Rutgers freshman to be the choice if he's still on the board. Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor and with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. But his raw edges as a shot creator and defender need sanding down to turn him into a full-on star."
How to watch 2025 NBA draft?
The 2025 NBA Draft will be held over two days: the first round on Wednesday, June 25, at 8 p.m. ET, and the second round on Thursday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET. The first round will air on ABC and ESPN, while the second round will be shown on ESPN.
You can also stream both days of the 2025 NBA draft with Fubo.
Watch the NBA draft with Fubo