In a surprising turn of events, Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled his scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers just days before the 2025 NBA Draft. Despite this development, Bailey’s prospects of being selected third overall remain intact, as historical precedent suggests the Sixers might still take him based on his impressive collegiate performance.
Ace Bailey’s Draft Stock After Workout Cancellation
ESPN draft expert Jonathan Givony recently reported: “NEWS: Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled his workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN. Bailey remains the only US-based prospect yet to visit any NBA teams. The Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey, sources say.”
NEWS: Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled his workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN.
Bailey remains the only US-based prospect yet to visit any NBA teams.
The Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey, sources say.
STORY: https://t.co/xiPP7zMOLb pic.twitter.com/ikFH2f9bkG
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 19, 2025
Givony further noted: “It’s worth noting Daryl Morey has selected several players in the past without a private workout, including Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. The Sixers scouted Rutgers extensively all season and interviewed him in Chicago. They could very well still select Ace Bailey at 3.”
It’s worth noting Daryl Morey has selected several players in the past without a private workout, including Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. The Sixers scouted Rutgers extensively all season and interviewed him in Chicago. They could very well still select Ace Bailey at 3. https://t.co/CDT8eOEY0q
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 19, 2025
This development has shocked the league consensus, as Bailey has declined visits to several teams expected to draft him in the 3-8 range. The 76ers had reportedly arranged a flight, hotel, and dinner for Bailey’s visit before the sudden cancellation of that trip.
The numbers don’t lie. Bailey’s freshman season production indicates his likely success despite his unusual pre-draft process. The 6’10” wing averaged 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 1.3 APG as a rising star, shooting 46 percent from the floor and 35 percent from 3-point land.
He had excellent performances during his freshman season, including a 39-point game against Indiana, which tied the most points by a Rutgers freshman in a Big Ten matchup.
Bailey was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and Third-Team All-Big Ten. He was selected Big Ten Freshman of the Week two times after his astonishing performance against Nebraska, in which he had 24 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and a steal.
Bailey’s numbers from that game matched future NBA stars Greg Oden and Zion Williamson, who were the only two people to have that stat line in NCAA history.
Morey’s draft history suggests Bailey’s workout cancellation may not significantly impact his chances. The Sixers have previously drafted players without private workouts, notably Maxey in 2020. Maxey, selected 21st overall, had only conducted one in-person workout (with the New Orleans Pelicans) before being drafted by Philadelphia.
While Bailey’s camp has informed teams that he is a top-three player in this draft class, the Sixers are also considering other prospects, including Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, who reportedly impressed during his workout with the team.
