With the 2025 NBA Draft only days away, unexpected developments are shaking up the top of the board. Once considered a near-lock for a top-three selection, Rutgers star Ace Bailey is suddenly facing uncertainty.
The 6’10” forward’s draft stock is falling, but it has nothing to do with how he plays. A surprising decision regarding his pre-draft process has raised questions across the league and cast doubt on where he’ll ultimately land.
Ace Bailey Cancels 76ers Workout as Draft Drama Grows
ESPN’s NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony reported that Bailey, once projected to go No. 3 overall, canceled his scheduled visit and workout with the Philadelphia 76ers. The visit would’ve included a private workout and dinner with the front office. It was a prime chance to prove himself to a team that owns the third overall pick, and he passed on it.
Sources told ESPN that Bailey has declined visits with every team so far. That makes him the only top-tier U.S.-based prospect yet to work out for any NBA franchise. It’s highly unusual, especially at this stage of the process.
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
Despite the snub, the Sixers reportedly haven’t ruled him out. That said, Bailey’s absence has opened the door for other names to rise.
Dylan Harper and Cooper Flagg are expected to be the top two picks, and both have completed visits with the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs.
Bailey, in contrast, seems to be betting on mystery. He’s reportedly turned away multiple teams within his draft range (No. 3 to No. 8), raising speculation about whether his camp is trying to engineer a specific landing spot.
There’s no denying Bailey is talented, though. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists at Rutgers while shooting 34.6% from 3-point range. He carried the offensive burden for the Scarlet Knights and often had to create tough shots without much help. In the NBA, surrounded by better spacing and stronger playmakers, scouts believe his efficiency will take a leap.
However, Bailey’s refusal to engage with franchises has created a perception issue that might cost him a top draft pick.
According to ESPN, “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.”
But in such a competitive draft class, slipping outside the top three could mean dropping to No. 6, a pick currently held by the Washington Wizards.
Despite that, Bailey is still one of the most electrifying forwards in the draft, with size, fluidity, and NBA-ready scoring instincts. However, by skipping workouts and playing hard to get, he may be turning the draft night spotlight into a question mark.
