Ace Bailey’s NBA Draft stock is slipping at the worst possible time.
Once projected as a consensus top-three selection, the former Rutgers standout is now reportedly falling down draft boards, and it all comes down to one puzzling issue: he hasn’t worked out for a single team.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo, Bailey has declined invitations from several franchises selecting in his range and is yet to participate in any known pre-draft workouts. The move has baffled executives around the league, raising questions about his readiness, attitude, and overall draft strategy.
Bailey and his camp believe he is a top-three player in the 2025 NBA Draft, and they reportedly want him to land in a situation where he can flourish as a star right away. The message to front offices has been clear: if you don’t have a clear pathway for Bailey to develop into a franchise cornerstone, don’t bother calling.
While confidence is not lacking in the Bailey camp, this strategy could backfire. The 18-year-old, who averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds with 34.6% shooting from deep, has elite athletic tools and an NBA-ready body.
But he did not wow scouts at the combine, with some noting his measurements came in shorter than expected and that his interviews and preparation left much to be desired. He’s now reportedly set to work out with the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the third pick, but it remains unclear if any other workouts will follow.
Bailey was initially projected to be selected by the Sixers, but now they are also seriously considering Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe.
Should Philadelphia pass on Bailey, the slide could begin in earnest. ESPN’s latest mock draft has him going No. 6 to the Washington Wizards, while other teams like the New Orleans Pelicans have shown intrigue given his upside and the availability of playing time.
Sources around the league also wonder whether Bailey has received a quiet promise from a team outside the top five. The idea: bypass risky pre-draft visits, drop to a more favorable market, and land on a team where stardom is easier to chase.
Bailey has prioritized landing somewhere he can take on immediate usage and minutes, and he appears willing to let his draft position fall slightly to do it.
Despite the fall in draft stock, Bailey’s potential remains tantalizing. He has size, scoring instincts, and flashes of elite two-way play that could make him a future All-Star if developed correctly.
However, his camp’s unwillingness to engage in the traditional pre-draft process is raising red flags for teams looking for transparency and buy-in.
If Bailey does indeed fall out of the top five, it will mark a dramatic turn for a player who began the year as one of the NCAA’s most hyped freshmen. His story might still have a happy ending, but the path to NBA stardom is rarely linear, and right now, Bailey is choosing a road that few top prospects dare travel.
