One day before the 2025 NBA draft, Paul George openly criticized 18-year-old prospect Ace Bailey’s approach to the selection process, citing concerns over how the young player has handled his pre-draft activities. George’s remarks came amid widespread curiosity about Bailey’s potential landing spot, with the focus falling on the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the No. 3 overall pick.
During the latest episode of his podcast, starting at the 44:30 mark, George commented on Bailey’s draft strategy and its consequences. He advised that if he were in Bailey’s position, he would accept any drop in draft stock based on how he managed the situation. As George said,
I can’t get mad if my stock drops
because of the pre-draft approach chosen by Bailey.
Addressing Bailey’s reported preference for joining a team that offers a clear path to stardom, George added,
You’re not in position to being make those demands,
emphasizing that the young player should not expect to dictate terms before entering the league.
Concerns Arise Over Bailey’s Predraft Strategy and Visit Cancellations
According to a June 18 report by ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Shams Charania, several NBA teams have expressed confusion about Bailey’s unusual draft preparation, particularly his decision to forgo individual visits with many teams. Notably, Bailey had arranged an in-person workout with the 76ers on June 20, which was canceled two days prior, sparking speculation over potential demands linked to guaranteed draft selection. However, NBA insider Jake Fischer clarified that there was no guarantee request made by Bailey’s camp in this context.
Rumors also suggest that Bailey’s representatives are trying to influence the draft outcome by targeting specific teams. An anonymous NBA executive told Keith Pompey from the Philadelphia Inquirer that Bailey’s camp prefers him to be drafted somewhere
between Atlanta and New York.
Team Preferences and Mock Draft Projections
The region mentioned includes several NBA franchises with high draft picks, such as the Philadelphia 76ers (#3), Charlotte Hornets (#4), Washington Wizards (#6), and Brooklyn Nets (#8). This geographical preference aligns with Bailey’s camp’s possible intentions to steer his draft position toward those teams.
In a recent Bleacher Report mock draft, Jonathan Wasserman projected Bailey to be selected by the Hornets, positioning him to play alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Wasserman also noted that the 76ers are weighing their options between Bailey and VJ Edgecombe, with Edgecombe’s compatibility with Philadelphia’s roster currently giving him a slight edge in considerations.
Despite Paul George’s criticisms, there is no indication the 76ers have removed Bailey from their draft board. The organization must carefully decide who can best assist them in recovering from a disappointing 24-58 season, even if George’s comments create some tension within the team environment.
Implications for the 76ers and Bailey’s NBA Future
Paul George’s remarks underscore the challenges faced by highly touted prospects like Ace Bailey, who seek to influence their draft destinations early in their careers. The 76ers, seeking to improve after a tough season, face a complex decision regarding Bailey, balancing talent evaluation with the player’s negotiating approach.
The outcome of the 2025 NBA draft and Bailey’s eventual team placement will have significant consequences for both the player’s development and the franchise’s trajectory. How Bailey’s draft process unfolds, especially in light of public criticism and team preferences, will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.