The 2025 NBA Draft is set to begin on Wednesday, June 25, and several names are generating significant attention. With Duke superstar Cooper Flagg being the consensus top prospect expected to go first overall to the Dallas Mavericks, other names like Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey are also making headlines.
However, Bailey has been in the news for reasons beyond being a top draft talent. He skipped pre-draft workouts, including a last-minute cancellation with the Philadelphia 76ers, which came as a surprise to many. Despite the controversial pre-draft strategy, Bailey’s strong scoring ability still keeps him on NBA teams’ radar as a projected top-five pick.
Kendrick Perkins Offers Advice to Rutgers Prospect Ace Bailey Amid Workout Controversy
Amid Rutgers NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey’s controversial pre-draft strategy, former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins weighed in with advice for the young prospect.
During an appearance on “Road Trippin” podcast, Perkins said, “The NBA doesn’t need you. NBA don’t [sic] need nobody [sic] to be honest.” He urged Bailey to stay humble and focus on working hard rather than trying to dictate terms to teams.
Bailey canceled his visit with the Philadelphia 76ers, becoming the only U.S.-based prospect to visit any NBA teams ahead of next week’s NBA draft. Sources told ESPN that the 18-year-old was scheduled to fly to Philadelphia for dinner with the team’s front office and a private workout but elected to cancel.
The Sixers reportedly were surprised by the cancellation, given its last-minute nature. Everything, including meeting time, hotel, and airfare, had already been lined up.
Besides skipping the Sixers’ workout, Bailey’s camp has declined invitations from other top teams as well. Teams across the league were already aware of Bailey’s preferences regarding potential destinations, with reports indicating he wasn’t interested in ending up in Charlotte or Utah.
Sources say Bailey’s camp has informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-3 player in the draft, but also seeks a clear pathway to stardom, perhaps feeling comfortable that a team will trade up to get him at Nos. 3 or 4, should he drop.
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This bold strategy from Bailey’s camp has stirred considerable debate throughout the basketball community. One Western Conference scout told Hoops Wire that Bailey and several other teams were stunned by the approach, stating, “This is different than a consensus No. 1 pick saying he doesn’t want to play for a certain team. It makes no sense to me.”
The scout added concerns about team culture, noting that creating a positive locker room environment is crucial in today’s NBA.
Despite the controversy, Bailey remains confident in his abilities. Speaking at the NBA Draft Combine, he said, “The shots I work on in workouts are shots I do in the game. What might be a bad shot to you, you don’t work on it. I work on it.”
Bailey had an impressive freshman year at Rutgers, averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals in 33.4 minutes per game. He posted 46/35/69 shooting splits. He was named to the Big Ten All-Freshman Team and earned Third-Team All-Big Ten honors for his performance.
Despite having Harper and Bailey, Rutgers made history this summer as the first college team to miss the NCAA Tournament with two top-five prospects on the roster. The Scarlet Knights finished 15-17 overall, with Bailey and teammate Dylan Harper carrying much of the offensive load while other players struggled to contribute consistently.
Ace Bailey’s NBA Draft Stock and Future Outlook
Bailey is the most polarizing player in the draft, with a wide spectrum of views about his game. Some say Bailey is the next Kevin Durant, while other pundits believe he has the highest chance to not live up to his predraft hype. The Wizards are slated to select Bailey No. 6 in ESPN’s latest mock draft.
The strategy carries significant financial implications, as Bailey would earn 62% more in his rookie season if selected third overall versus sixth or lower. However, his camp appears confident that teams like the Washington Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, or New Orleans Pelicans would trade up to secure his services if he falls past the top picks.
Bailey is a ridiculous shot-making machine, capable of splashing contested jumpers from every spot on the floor with the swagger of a throwback bucket-getter. At the NBA Draft Combine, Bailey measured 6-7.5 without shoes, shorter than his listed 6’10” height at Rutgers, though this measurement isn’t expected to significantly impact his draft position.
As the draft approaches, Bailey must focus on refining his skills rather than getting caught up in external noise. His pre-draft strategy represents one of the boldest gambles in recent memory, with the potential to either secure his preferred destination or cost him millions in guaranteed money.
Regardless of where he lands, Bailey remains one of the most intriguing prospects in a draft class that promises plenty of excitement beyond the consensus top pick.
