Top NBA Draft pick has ‘perplexed' observers with predraft process
Ace Bailey has long had a great reputation heading into the 2025 NBA Draft even compared next to talented names like Cooper Flagg and Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper. But ahead of starting his pro career, Bailey's predraft process has reportedly left some around the league confused by his motives.
Per ESPN in their latest mock draft, they had Bailey sliding to No. 6 to the Wizards. Bailey has been projected as high as No. 3 to the 76ers, but it sounds like his predraft process has raised some eyebrows.
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'Bailey's predraft workout strategy has perplexed some observers, as he has yet to conduct a single known workout to date, having declined invitations from several teams within his draft range,' Jonathan Givony wrote on ESPN. 'Sources say Bailey's camp has informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-3 player in the draft, but also seeks a clear pathway to stardom, perhaps feeling comfortable that a team will trade up to get him at Nos. 3 or 4, should he drop.'
Prospects usually get in their workouts and interviews ahead of the draft, so Bailey not visiting teams is somewhat surprising. Givony reported Bailey is set to have a workout with the 76ers later this week, but otherwise, it's unclear if he'll be going elsewhere. Considering the Sixers could also go a different direction with their No. 3 pick, it's no guarantee Bailey is picked there.
Bailey was stellar in his lone season at Rutgers, playing alongside Harper. Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 30 games for the Scarlet Knights. While Rutgers didn't make the NCAA Tournament despite two top draft prospects, the lack of team success didn't affect their stock much.
The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 25-26, so Bailey will find out next week where he'll be going to start his pro career. Flagg is expected to go No. 1 to the Mavericks while Harper is the same at No. 2 to the Spurs. But after that, it's unclear what could end up happening as teams could also look to move up in the draft.
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