Before the 2025 NBA Draft, much discussion centered on Utah Jazz’s fifth overall pick, Ace Bailey, particularly regarding his unconventional approach to pre-draft workouts. Paul George, the Philadelphia 76ers wing, initially expressed skepticism about Bailey’s strategy of declining several workout opportunities ahead of the draft. George questioned whether Bailey was in a position to make such demands.
However, roughly a month after Bailey’s selection by Utah, George offered a revised perspective during a recent episode of Podcast P. Reflecting on Bailey’s unique path, George acknowledged his earlier judgment was premature and expressed respect for the young player’s choice to control his own career trajectory.
“I want to kind of retract what I said,”
George stated.
“How can we get on a kid that kind of knows what he wants? We’re not in his shoes. He wants to do it his way. He’s good enough, he’s got the talent, he’s gonna go where he wants to go. That’s his decision. It could have backfired, but it didn’t. He’s still in a great situation; he still gets to showcase what he could do. He had a great game too. He went crazy, showed his potential, a flash of it.”
—Paul George, NBA Wing
Supporting a Player’s Individual Path to the NBA
Paul George emphasized the importance of honoring individual choices in the draft process, saying critics should avoid imposing traditional expectations on young athletes. He reinforced the idea that every player must carve their own route to success, even if it means deviating from the norm.
“How can we get on a kid that kinda knows what he wants?… He wants to do it his way… I hate being that person to be like, ‘Oh, you should’ve done this.’ Everybody has their own path.”
—Paul George, NBA Wing
George added further,
“I was kind of thinking about it like, I hate being that person to be like, ‘Oh, you should have did that.’ Like, everybody has their own path, however way you want to trailblaze it, that’s on you,”
and continued,
“Who are we to be like, ‘Nah, you got to do it this way or that way.’ So I kind of want to retract a little bit on that, because he is a young kid and he will find his way, but it’s dope when you can kind of make your own path.”
—Paul George, NBA Wing
Context Behind Ace Bailey’s Draft Journey
Ace Bailey’s approach to the 2025 NBA Draft was notably unconventional, as he and his representatives declined multiple pre-draft workouts and maintained a preference list of teams they wanted to join. This strategy sparked criticism from analysts and peers alike, who questioned whether it might harm his draft stock.
Despite the skepticism, Bailey successfully navigated the process and was chosen fifth overall by the Utah Jazz. His confidence in taking control of his draft experience has drawn mixed reactions, but the Jazz front office seemed to back the player’s chosen path, impressed by his potential and maturity.
Since officially joining Utah, Bailey has begun to justify this gamble, showing flashes of his skill during Summer League and early appearances, confirming that his unique preparation and selective workouts did not undermine his ability to perform at the next level.
The Potential Impact of Bailey’s Choice on His NBA Career
Paul George’s softened stance indicates a broader understanding in the league of players rethinking traditional pre-draft norms. Bailey’s ability to “make his own path” could inspire future prospects to similarly tailor their approach according to personal goals, rather than conventional expectations.
The Utah Jazz’s decision to invest in Bailey reflects a long-term vision for nurturing his talent, despite the initial concerns from media and fans. Should Bailey continue progressing, his journey might become a case study in alternative draft strategies paying off.
For now, Bailey’s progress with the Jazz will be closely watched by those curious if his self-directed approach represents a new precedent in NBA draft preparation and player autonomy.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How did Paul George’s injury happen?
A. Daniela George was born in Queens, New York, on November 12, 1990. She has worked as a model, businessperson, and social media influencer. Daniela is Serbian-American and is recognized for more than just being Paul George’s wife.
Q. How did Paul George get injured?
A. Injury. On March 31, 2013, during the first half of an Elite 8 game against Duke, Ware tried to block a shot. He landed awkwardly on his right leg, causing a severe break. The bone broke through the skin and stuck out several inches from his shin.
Q. What was Paul George’s injury?
A. Last week, the team faced a new injury problem. Paul George needed arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, which many, including NBA insider Marc Stein, found surprising.
Q. What is Paul George’s injury?
A. George injured his knee again during the offseason and will have surgery right away, says Shams Charania from ESPN. Charania also mentioned that George’s season ended on March 4th due to a left knee injury he got while practicing last week.