Ace Bailey, once projected as a consensus top-three pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, has seen his draft stock drop significantly in recent weeks, raising eyebrows across the league. The former No. 2 high school recruit behind Cooper Flagg, Bailey spent most of his freshman season at Rutgers ranked just behind Flagg and teammate Dylan Harper in mock drafts. However, since the lottery, his position has slipped.
The 18-year-old forward’s unique pre-draft approach has created ripple effects throughout NBA front offices. Unlike typical prospects who participate in multiple team workouts to showcase their skills, Bailey has taken an unconventional path that’s generating both intrigue and concern among league executives.
NBA Teams Eye Value Pick as Ace Bailey’s Stock Takes a Hit
Bailey, once projected to be among the top three picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, has seen his stock dip in recent weeks, sparking interest from teams lower in the lottery order. League sources told the Philadelphia Inquirer that the Washington Wizards are monitoring the situation closely, hoping Bailey’s refusal to work out for teams during the pre-draft process may lead to a draft-night slide.
This isn’t the first time the Wizards have benefited from such a scenario. According to Keith Pompey, a source recalled a similar situation last year when Alex Sarr declined to work out for the Atlanta Hawks, who held the first overall pick. The Hawks passed on Sarr, allowing Washington to select the French center second overall in 2024.
As Pompey noted, “The Wizards have been impressed by the 18-year-old Bailey for some time. Sources say they’re not concerned about his perceived poor shot selection this season at Rutgers. Some Washington executives had Bailey rated higher than expected No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg in high school.”
Sources say the Washington Wizards hope Ace Bailey’s refusal to work out for teams during the pre-draft process will cause him to slide.
A source said Washington benefited from the same approach last season with Alex Sarr. The French player refused to work out for the Atlanta…
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) June 25, 2025
Some within the Wizards’ front office even had Bailey ranked higher than Cooper Flagg, the projected top pick, during their high school evaluations. This early assessment speaks to Bailey’s raw talent and potential ceiling, despite questions about his college production.
Pre-Draft Strategy Raises Questions
Bailey, listed at 6-foot-8, averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds during the 2024-25 season at Rutgers. Despite his athleticism and production, questions have emerged about his approach to the pre-draft process. The Scarlet Knights finished with a disappointing 15-17 record, failing to reach the NCAA Tournament despite having two projected top-five picks in Bailey and Harper.
Bailey’s college performance showcased both his potential and areas for improvement. He connected on 47 three-pointers in 30 games and had three 30-point games in Big Ten play, demonstrating his explosive scoring ability. However, his shot selection and ball-handling skills remain works in progress at the professional level.
Last week, Bailey canceled a scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the No. 3 pick, after the franchise declined to guarantee they would select him. That decision sparked speculation across front offices that Bailey may have received a promise from another team drafting early.
Asked directly during media availability in New York about the canceled workout, Bailey deflected. “I’m just blessed to be in this position I am right now,” he said Tuesday. “That’s all. Take it day by day.” When pressed further, he added, “I’m just working on basketball, that’s all I’m focused on. I can only control what I can control, you can think what you think… I’m focused on basketball.”
Bailey is represented by agent Omar Cooper and is expected to be drafted in the early lottery despite the concerns. Cooper, who runs Lifestyle Sports Agency, has connections to the basketball world through his son Sharife Cooper, a former Auburn star who was drafted in the second round by Atlanta in 2021.
As teams like the Sixers weigh options that include VJ Edgecombe and others, Washington is quietly hoping Bailey’s pre-draft stance works in their favor. The draft’s intrigue will truly begin at pick No. 3, where Philadelphia must decide between Bailey’s high ceiling and the red flags surrounding his preparation process.
