The Philadelphia 76ers have continued to get worse with each passing season. They made it to the Conference Semifinals in the 2022-23 season, but they bowed out of the tournament in the first round the following season. The franchise finished the 2024-25 NBA season with a 24-58 record and couldn’t make it to the postseason.
The 76ers hope to make a push into the playoffs in the upcoming season. They have a No. 3 pick in the bag to improve their roster. One analyst believes that the 76ers will select Ace Bailey with the No.3 pick in the upcoming draft.
Philadelphia 76ers Projected to Pick Ace Bailey With No.3 Pick
According to Brandon Austin of Pro Football and Sports Network, the 76ers are projected to draft Ace Bailey with their No.3 pick. Philadelphia saw its core stars miss a significant part of the season. Bailey could infuse the roster with young, high-end talent that can help overcome possible injuries.
Paul George, who was offered a 4-year-long contract worth $212 million last season, played only 41 games. Joel Embiid also missed more than three-fourths of the season, featuring in only 19 games, and Tyrese Maxey made only 52 appearances.
In his latest 2025 NBA Mock Draft, Austin expects the 76ers to pick Bailey and pair him with Maxey. He believes that the Rutgers forward will fit right into Philadelphia’s system.
“The Philadelphia 76ers had a frustrating 2024 season, but it ultimately delivered a major reward: landing the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. With a core already featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and Paul George, the Sixers now get to add another high-level talent in Ace Bailey,” Austin noted.
Ace Bailey's physical tools jump off the page immediately for a wing prospect, drawing comparisons to Jayson Tatum in our historical database. Similarly big and long enough to play the 4 once he gets stronger, especially with that 8'11 standing reach. pic.twitter.com/cM35JCyFtF
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress)
He added that Bailey will have fewer offensive responsibilities than he had with Rutgers, which will allow him to shine more.
“Bailey brings explosive scoring, length, and athleticism to a frontcourt that could use another two-way wing. The 6’10” forward showcased high-end shot-making potential as a freshman at Rutgers, and in Philadelphia, he won’t need to carry a heavy offensive burden. That should allow him to play more efficiently early on,” Austin wrote.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on 46% shooting, including 34.6% from beyond the arc. His playmaking skills set him apart from other prospects. Along with his skills, Bailey also already has NBA-caliber shooting mechanics. Plus, the advanced prospect wows with his ability to make plays happen, especially for someone his size.
Along with offensive abilities comes great defensive qualities. That will certainly have an impact on the 76ers roster that lacks this trait.
Two and a half minutes of Ace Bailey defensive highlights for your morning.
4.1 BLK% (4.6% in B1G play)
1.7 STL%
-8.8 point defensive rating swing (91st percentile in CBB) pic.twitter.com/wTgBiZKbir— AJ (@AJ3Jazz)
“Defensively, Bailey adds something the Sixers have often lacked: a switchable wing who can guard in space and protect the rim. His agility, length, and motor make him an ideal complement to Embiid’s interior presence and help address some of the team’s past perimeter defense woes,” Austin pointed out.
If Philadelphia wants to return to the postseason, its stars need to stay healthy. No matter who they draft, that will be the key to their season. That said, Bailey would certainly serve as a high-ceiling insurance option that rounds out the talented roster.
