Rutgers’ Ace Bailey Faces Draft Scrutiny Amid Quiet Pre‑Draft Strategy
Ace Bailey burst onto the national stage as a freshman at Rutgers, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while showcasing elite athleticism, perimeter shooting, and leaping ability . A McDonald’s All‑American and one of the top high school recruits in 2024, Bailey quickly earned acclaim as a top-three NBA prospect entering the 2025 draft .
Yet in recent days, his draft trajectory has shifted under scrutiny. Bailey has notably skipped all team workouts—most strikingly canceling a scheduled session with the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the No. 3 pick . NBA veteran Paul George publicly warned that such tactics could hurt Bailey’s stock:
> “But he’s canceled all workouts…You’re not in a position to be making those demands. Make it to the league first.”
Prospect evaluators and analysts remain torn. ESPN’s Jay Bilas defended Bailey’s autonomy, comparing him to NFL draftees like Eli Manning and John Elway who exerted draft leverage . Still, others view the move as a professionalism misstep—essentially Bailey and his camp trying to steer him toward preferred teams like Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn .
Scouts are also raising eyebrows over his combine measurements: though listed at 6′10″, Bailey reportedly measured around 6′7″, leading to questions about his true size and role potential . Combined with a modest 1.3 assists per game and mixed shooting efficiency, the pre-draft narrative has shifted from star potential to more volatile risk .
These red flags have impacted draft projections. While once a near lock for a top-five pick, a growing number of mocks now slide him into the 5–8 range, with the Washington Wizards—the team holding No. 6—mentioned as a likely destination .
Meanwhile, his former Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper continues defending Bailey’s character and energy, calling him “the funniest teammate” whose presence uplifts the locker room .
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Bottom Line: Ace Bailey’s draft door swings on the balance between his undeniable talent and questions surrounding his professionalism, measurement discrepancies, and stock-management strategy. Teams will soon decide if his confidence is savvy or premature.
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