The 2025 NBA Draft has taken a political turn as Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro publicly advised the Philadelphia 76ers against selecting controversial Rutgers prospect Ace Bailey. The governor’s unusual intervention highlights growing concerns about the ex-Scarlet Knight’s unconventional pre-draft approach.
Bailey’s draft stock has plummeted from a guaranteed top-three selection to potentially falling outside the top five picks. His refusal to participate in any team workouts has created one of the most bizarre pre-draft controversies in recent memory.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro Takes Unprecedented Stand Against Ace Bailey Selection
Governor Josh Shapiro made headlines during an interview with street reporter Kyle Pagan, in which he expressed serious reservations about Bailey’s draft strategy.
“I’m concerned about [Ace Bailey]. If you’re not showing up to workouts, then there’s something amiss,” Shapiro stated while gesturing to his head.
No Ace Bailey @GovernorShapiro pic.twitter.com/I4yRvXpdKj
— Kyle Pagan (@CBKylePagan) June 23, 2025
The governor revealed he had already communicated directly with Sixers management, attempting to dissuade them.
Shapiro’s criticism centered on Bailey’s apparent lack of enthusiasm for joining Philadelphia. “I just have a problem with that. He possesses immense talent and potential, but if you’re not eager to be here, if you’re not enthusiastic about joining us, then I don’t want you.”
Shapiro, known to local sports radio stations as “Josh from Juniata,” is a well-known 76ers fan whose public stance reflects broader frustration within Philadelphia’s basketball community.
Bailey’s Agent Strategy Backfires as Draft Position Slides
Bailey’s controversial approach stems from his representation by Omar Cooper, who orchestrated the prospect’s refusal to work out for teams. The father of former NBA player Sharife Cooper and former WNBA player Te’a Cooper, the agent serves as the “point person” running Bailey’s process through his Lifestyle Sports Agency.
The strategy has spectacularly backfired with Bailey’s projected draft position falling from a virtual lock for the top three picks to potentially sliding to sixth overall with Washington. Mock drafts now show him falling as analysts question his commitment and maturity.
Bailey’s camp has informed teams they believe he’s a “top-three player in the draft” while seeking “a clear pathway to stardom.” Reports indicate that Bailey prefers being drafted by East Coast teams between New York and Atlanta, which may explain his reluctance to commit to Philadelphia.
In addition to the governor, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George criticized Bailey’s approach on his podcast, questioning his leverage. “You’re not in a position to be making those demands. Make it to the league first,” George stated.
PG sounds off on Ace Bailey skipping NBA Draft workouts 😳
“If I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops.” pic.twitter.com/cgErJWCAgh
— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) June 24, 2025
Bailey’s freshman season at Rutgers was statistically impressive. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals while shooting 46.0% from the field and 34.6% from three-point range. However, he measured just 6’7.5″ without shoes at the NBA Draft Combine, shorter than his listed 6’10” height at Rutgers.
His spectacular 39-point performance against Indiana matched the program’s freshman scoring record, making him the second freshman since 2005 to post 39-plus points, 8-plus rebounds, and 4-plus blocks in a single game. Bailey also recorded standout performances of 37 points at Northwestern and 30 points at Penn State.
Despite his on-court production, character concerns about his maturity and influences have emerged. Sources describe him as surrounded by “bad characters” despite being a “great kid” who “loves basketball more than any person.” The combination of elite talent and questionable decision-making has made Bailey the draft’s most polarizing figure.
As Wednesday’s draft approaches, the 76ers face a difficult decision: draft Bailey despite the red flags, select another prospect like Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, or trade the pick. With Governor Shapiro’s public opposition adding political pressure, Bailey’s unconventional strategy may have cost him his guaranteed top-three selection.
