Ace Bailey is the biggest wildcard of the 2025 NBA Draft.
The talented freshman out of Rutgers has raised a few eyebrows, both good and bad, leading up to the draft on Wednesday night in Brooklyn.
Bailey is projected to be a top-five pickGettyAfter Cooper Flagg, Bailey has been mentioned as the next best prospect.
He will be a surefire lottery pick that could go anywhere from the second pick to the San Antonio Spurs, or elsewhere in the top ten.
However, where he might not go, is to the Philadelphia 76ers who hold the third overall pick.
That’s because Bailey decided to inexplicably skip a handful of pre-draft workouts, including a last-minute cancellation with the 76ers.
It is certainly a head-scratching move, but his talent and potential should still get his name mentioned within the first five picks.
It does give a similar feeling to Shedeur Sanders‘ pre-draft process, and even echoes in the name Eli Manning.
At least that is what highly respected ESPN analyst Jay Bilas, along with Bobby Marks, believe.
They spoke to the media on Tuesday afternoon in Manhattan to preview the draft.
“I think he’s the third most talented player in this draft outside of Flagg and (Dylan) Harper,” Bilas said.
“There are very few players that come out at 18 that have the shot making ability that Ace Bailey has.
Bailey is just 18 years oldGetty Bailey’s pre-draft process has been very interestingGetty“He’s long, he’s a really good athlete. I mean, he put up 39 against Indiana. He put up 38 against Northwestern. He averaged about 17 to 18 a game.
“I’m not bothered by not wanting to work out for different teams. If he wants to go a certain place — I mean, if it was okay for Eli Manning and John Elway to do it, I don’t see why it’s not okay for him.
“I wouldn’t schedule something and then cancel out. That’s a question of professionalism. But he’s 18 years old. So he’s navigating this process for the first time. So I’m not bothered by that too much.
“His talent’s gonna determine where he goes. But if he’s not taken third or fourth, he’s not gonna last much longer after that.
“You would think that somebody would want to be drafted as high as possible for the money.
“But if there’s a different view there, who am I to say that that’s not right for him?”
Marks shared the same sentiment as Bilas, but brought up an interesting point that could have huge financial implications for Bailey.
“Maybe there’s a home where you see yourself as a better fit,” Marks said.
“Even if it’s going to cost you $14-15million sliding from three to six, or whatever.”
Marks went on to state that he believes the entire draft process is a bit overrated. Whether or not Bailey agrees, it doesn’t matter.
He’s already made his choices and made his bed. Now he’s going to have to lie in it.
Whether that’s with the Spurs at two, or with someone else, we will find out very soon.
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