NBA Draft Slide for Rutgers’ Ace Bailey?
NEW YORK — The buzz around NBA draft rooms turned to head-scratching this week as Rutgers phenom Ace Bailey, once considered a lock for the top three picks, finds himself in unexpected freefall. The 6’8″ forward’s draft stock is tumbling after a puzzling pre-draft strategy that has executives questioning his approach – and his attitude.
Multiple league sources confirm Bailey has declined private workouts with teams holding picks 3 through 7, a move unprecedented for a prospect in his position. His camp reportedly insists he’s a “top-3 talent” deserving of a franchise offering a “clear pathway to stardom,” a demand that’s raised eyebrows across front offices. “You earn your role, you don’t demand it before you’re drafted,” one Western Conference GM grumbled anonymously. “It feels entitled.”
The Philadelphia Standoff
The situation reached a boiling point with the Philadelphia 76ers, owners of the coveted No. 3 pick. Bailey initially refused to work out for them, sources say, expressing doubts about his fit alongside established stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and newly acquired Paul George. This hesitation proved costly. While Bailey stalled, Baylor’s explosive guard V.J. Edgecombe dazzled the Sixers’ brass in a vigorous workout, instantly catapulting to the top of their draft board.
In a last-ditch effort to salvage his top-3 hopes, Bailey hastily scheduled a Philly workout this week. But the damage may be done. “You don’t make a team chase you when they hold the leverage,” noted a veteran draft analyst. “It signals you might not be coachable.”
Red Flags Beyond the Refusals
Teams digging deeper uncovered more concerns:
- Interview Missteps: At the NBA Combine, Bailey reportedly displayed a “lack of focus” during team meetings, with some executives questioning his basketball IQ and feel for the game.
- Polarizing Talent: While his athleticism and scoring upside draw Kevin Durant comparisons, scouts worry about his “lack of polish” and defensive consistency.
- Contrasting Paths: The slide is especially stark compared to his Rutgers backcourt mate Dylan Harper, who’s embraced the process. Harper, widely projected to go No. 2 to San Antonio, participated in multiple workouts and impressed with his maturity.
Who Benefits?
Bailey’s slide could become a windfall for teams lower in the lottery. The Washington Wizards (No. 6) and New Orleans Pelicans (No. 7) – both rebuilding squads offering ample playing time – are now salivating at the chance to snag a top-tier talent. “Washington is the perfect spot if he wants shots and a starring role,” observed one Eastern Conference scout. “But will his ego handle falling to get there?”
The Stakes
Bailey’s eleventh-hour Philadelphia workout carries massive weight. A dominant showing could remind teams why he was once a consensus top-three pick. A mediocre one might confirm doubts and cement his slide.
As one veteran personnel director put it: “The draft is about talent, sure. But it’s also about hunger. Teams want guys who want to prove themselves, not guys who act like they’re doing you a favor.” With the draft just days away, Ace Bailey’s next move – and the league’s reaction – will define the first chapter of his NBA career before he even steps on a pro court. The question isn’t just where he lands, but whether his pre-draft missteps become a cautionary tale or a footnote to a brilliant career.