Former Rutgers star Ace Bailey has opted to cancel his lone scheduled pre-draft workout, with the Sixers, sources inform Jonathan Givony of ESPN.
Bailey, projected as a top prospect in this month’s draft, had adamantly rejected any workout invitations from lottery teams prior to this slated Philadelphia audition. The Sixers possess the No. 3 pick.
A 6’10” wing, Bailey averaged an impressive 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 1.3 APG across 30 healthy contests for Rutgers this past season. He earned 2025 All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman honors for his play.
The young star is considered a high-upside scorer and shot creator, but his strategy to avoid team workouts has puzzled clubs and could compel a draft slide. This Philadelphia situation certainly won’t help that.
Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports tweets that flights, hotel accommodations, and dinner plans had all been scheduled for Bailey’s visit.
Duke forward Cooper Flagg and Bailey’s former Scarlet Knights teammate Dylan Harper are widely anticipated to be the top two selections this year, with Bailey, Baylor forward V.J. Edgecombe, Texas guard Tre Johnson, Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Frears, Duke center Khaman Maluach, and Duke wing Kon Knueppel among the next tier of young NBA hopefuls.
The Blue Devils and Rutgers could have a virtual stranglehold on the 2025 draft’s top eight spots, with five players anticipated to be selected between the two programs. Unlike Rutgers, however, Duke actually made the NCAA Tournament this past March.
Stephen Miller went to Duke.
As if I needed another reason to loathe the Blue Devils.
Virtual strangled? Kinky
Anyone have any idea why he’s doing this? I’m thinking he doesn’t like any of the teams around his projected spots. Or maybe he’s scared to embarrass himself? I have no clue but this is weird
I know if I’m NBA brass, I’m thinking the same thing… scared of embarrassing himself. Refusing to work out for anybody?? Could cost him a few bucks…
Doesn’t want to catch the process and miss a few seasons due to injury…? Lol
Hiding an injury is my actual guess…
Some speculation out there that his agent is doing him a disservice. Not sure what part of the rumor mill is true/untrue. I will say as a Wizards fan (its rough, I know xD) , would love to see the guy drop to that six pick as unlikely as it initially seemed. If he does indeed fall in the draft I do think someone is going to get a steal, which may or may not be what his agent is angling for, the best possible spot for his client to showcase his talents and then get a big payday for both of them. But I’m not privy to such information so all I can provide is speculation.
Ace Bailey: Come to Golden State please!!
Lol, as you would.
Who would want to go to the 76ers with Embiid stinking up that team.
He may cost himself some cash on his first contract but if he goes to a team that will give him more time, his second contract more than makes up for that.
VJ SEASON