Paul George retracts previous statement on Ace Bailey: 'He wants to do it his way'
After previously criticizing Ace Bailey for his handling of team workouts before the 2025 NBA draft, Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George offered a retraction of those comments.
Bailey orchestrated a rumor-filled predraft process that left some doubt about where he would end up after canceling a workout with the 76ers and turning down other invitations, including one from the Utah Jazz. He was the only U.S.-based prospect who didn't attend any workouts.
The 18-year-old was the consensus choice to be the third or fourth pick before eventually falling to the Jazz at No. 5. George initially questioned his decision to cancel workouts, but the nine-time All-Star, speaking on "Podcast P" this week, now has a different take on the situation.
I want to kind of retract what I said. How can we get on a kid that kind of knows what he wants? We're not in his shoes. He wants to do it his way. He is good enough. He has got the talent. He is going to go where he wants to go. That is his decision. It could have backfired, but it didn't. He is still in a great situation. He still gets to showcase what he could do. He had a great game, too. He went crazy. He showed his potential, a flash of it.
Bailey denied ever considering not reporting to the team and stated he is eager to get to work with the team. He immediately hit the practice facility for a workout upon arriving in Salt Lake City and has impressed the team in the early going.
The former Rutgers standout debuted with the Jazz in the Salt Lake City Summer League, averaging 13 points, seven rebounds and two assists in two games. He was limited to those two appearances because of a hip injury and didn't suit up for the team in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Bailey, who has drawn comparisons to George, is highly touted for his size, overall skill set and ability to impact games on both ends of the court. He projects to have a bright future and appears content with putting the predraft process behind him and contributing to the organization.
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