The NBA draft combine allows players to showcase their talents, skills, and athleticism. With the draft lottery settled amid a large amount of controversy, the players can now focus on being the best versions of themselves. One player gaining momentum as the draft approaches is Rutgers star Ace Bailey.
Ace Bailey’s Sprint Time Steals the Show at NBA Draft Combine
Bailey was a show-stealer at the NBA draft combine, finishing with the best three-quarter sprint time alongside his fellow Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper. Harper and Bailey are both projected top-five picks, which could end with both men going at the second and third picks, respectively.
Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper have posted the fastest three quarter court sprint times 🔥
3.12s — Ace Bailey
3.16s — Dylan HarperThe Rutgers duo can FLY 🤯
(via @nbafuturenow)pic.twitter.com/JnttfTREVi
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints)
Bailey’s 3.12-second sprint had scouts buzzing and only added to his already growing hype. The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds last season and now looks like a real threat to climb even higher in mock drafts.
If the San Antonio Spurs don’t move forward with their rumored Giannis Antetokounmpo trade plan, Bailey could be the pick at No. 2.
Could Bailey Be a Good Fit With the Spurs or 76ers?
Bailey’s style of play—athletic, versatile, and defensive-minded—makes him a solid fit with either the Spurs or 76ers. In San Antonio, he’d join Victor Wembanyama and De’Aaron Fox in a fast-rising core that would thrive on defense and unselfish offense.
But if the Spurs pass or pivot toward Bailey’s teammate, Harper, that opens the door for Philly. The Sixers, sitting at No. 3, could plug Bailey in right next to stars like Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid. If all are healthy, Bailey wouldn’t need to carry a heavy load but could still make a big impact on both ends.
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Would Bailey fit well with the Sixers? If Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, and Joel Embiid are all healthy when the season begins, Bailey could very well bring his prowess to Philadelphia to complement this veteran trio. His defensive prowess and offensive highlights would fit in well alongside George and Maxey.
If the Spurs select Bailey, he gets to play next to Fox and Wembanyama. While Wembanyama is still fairly young, Fox would provide some form of veteran help to get Bailey through the dog days of his rookie season.
