The 2025 NBA Draft began today, with Duke’s Cooper Flagg expected to be the number one pick after a remarkable season averaging 19.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, attention has turned to Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, whose standing as a top-three prospect has sharply declined. Despite impressive stats, including 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and a McDonald’s All-American background, Bailey has alarmed teams by canceling every pre-draft workout, including a late withdrawal from the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the third overall pick.
76ers star Paul George openly criticized Bailey’s approach, highlighting the negative impact of skipping workouts.
“If I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops. He’s canceled all workouts, like he hasn’t worked out for any team,”
George stated during his podcast. He further added,
“You’re not in position to be making all these demands. Make it to the league first… The way of going about it is just not right.”
Industry Figures Debate the Nature of Bailey’s Strategy
Critics have labeled Bailey’s method as unprofessional, drawing comparisons to NFL stars who have similarly managed their draft positions, such as Eli Manning and John Elway. ESPN analyst Jay Bilas expressed mixed views, saying,
“I’m not bothered by not wanting to work out for different teams.”
He continued,
“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.”
Yet Bilas emphasized the importance of professionalism, cautioning,
“I wouldn’t schedule something and then cancel out. That’s a question of professionalism.”
Even Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro shared a forthright opinion about Bailey’s attitude toward the draft process, stating,
“He’s got great talent, great upside, but if you don’t want to be here, if you’re not dying to be here, I don’t want you to be here.”
The Impact of Workout Cancellations on Bailey’s Draft Prospects
Bailey’s repeated cancellation of workouts has sparked worry within NBA circles, particularly since holding workouts is traditionally viewed as a vital opportunity to showcase skills and work ethic to potential teams. With the 76ers among the teams affected by his last-minute cancellations, his draft stock appears increasingly uncertain. This tension surrounding Bailey’s professional approach highlights broader challenges prospects face when balancing personal preferences with the expectations of an intensely scrutinized draft process.
As the 2025 NBA Draft unfolds, the consequences of Bailey’s decisions will become clearer, likely influencing where he lands and his relationship with the league initially. For the 76ers and other teams, the uncertainty surrounding his availability and willingness to participate in workouts adds an additional layer of complexity in their selection strategies.