Ace Bailey, a likely top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, is turning heads around the sports world. He has scrapped his scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who have the No. 3 pick right now. Bailey is currently the consensus pick to go sixth overall to the Washington Wizards. As he has continued down the path, his draft stock – volatile in the best of times – has been dissected under a harsh microscope.
During all of that time, Bailey was widely expected to be a top-three pick and the first non-quarterback off the board. His recent decision to cancel that visit — which was supposed to include a dinner with the 76ers’ front office and a private workout — is perplexing. This action brings his plan to the forefront as he prepares for the 2024 nomination cycle. According to sources in and around Bailey’s camp, he is already considered one of the top three players in this year’s draft. For one, they emphasize his clear desire for a clear route to stardom — including lots of playing time and high usage, ideally on a new team.
Bailey, who played his college basketball at Rutgers, has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride with his draft stock the last few months. He has been a consensus top three pick for most of the season, even taking the No. 3 spot on ESPN’s big board recently. By this time last year, everyone assumed he would go second or third. Bailey has been invited to several events for teams in his draft range of 3-8. Despite his lofty perch, he has chosen to flat out reject them. This gives hope not just to the 76ers, but other franchises that have a desire to strengthen their rosters.
The Philadelphia 76ers have been rumored as a team to have scouted Bailey heavily all season long. They first engaged him during the NBA Draft Combine last year in Chicago. Bailey’s decision to pass on the presidential visit reflects a smart political calculus. He recently said in an interview that he’s being deliberate in choosing any landing spot that lines up with his vision.
How Bailey could fit
Bailey has surprisingly become the only U.S.-based prospect who has not yet visited any NBA teams. To this point, he’s only been able to schedule a workout with the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers. This indicates that he is being very intentional with his pre-draft meetings. This tactic seems to mirror his evident off court ambition, who aspires for more clear cut direction in where he’ll fit in with an NBA franchise.
The 2025 NBA Draft first round on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn. As teams finalize their draft boards and strategies, Bailey’s decision to cancel his visit will undoubtedly influence discussions among front offices and scouts regarding their plans for the upcoming draft.
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