When the 2025 NBA Draft process began, Rutgers' Ace Bailey was heralded as a consensus top-three prospect in the class. That said, it became a shock when Bailey was no longer a lock to be selected third overall in the NBA Draft.
It's not uncommon for teams to pass over an elite prospect who is not a fit, but that did not hold true for Bailey and the 76ers, who selected third overall. Philadelphia elected to skip over Bailey, meaning the 18-year-old had to wait a bit longer to hear his name called on draft night.
And while a draft slide is often akin to a deferred dream for many prospects, this isn't exactly a surprise or cause for worry for Bailey and his representation. In fact, the signs that Bailey would fall past third overall became more prevalent as the draft neared.
With Bailey sliding on draft night, The Sporting News explains just why a prospect of his caliber was not one of the first three names called in this year's draft.
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Ace Bailey NBA Draft slide, explained
Various reports and theories shed light on Bailey's fall past the third pick in this draft.
The strongest theory is that he did not want to be selected by the 76ers and instead preferred the teams that selected in the 6-to-8 range. His approach to the draft process is thought to have been orchestrated by his team, led by agent Omar Cooper.
"Washington … [is] one of his preferred destinations," ESPN's Jonathan Givony said ahead of the draft. "6, 7, or 8 — Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn. He has declined all invitations from Philadelphia at 3, Charlotte at 4, and Utah at 5."
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Bailey was believed to want to join a franchise where he would immediately take on a large role to put up big numbers. The 76ers, who picked third overall, are coming off a down season marred by injury and are looking to return to contention in the East with a rookie playing a specific role within their system.
In addition to the declined workouts, some draft pundits viewed a few concerns as "red flags."
Among those concerns was a perceived immaturity that, while not unexpected for an 18-year-old, is an "age-appropriate" playfulness. Others cited poor interviews and an unpreparedness to answer questions when meeting with front offices.
While the above two issues are subjective, Bailey is objectively shorter than he was listed in Rutgers media materials last season. Throughout the year, Bailey was believed to be a 6-10 wing, but at the NBA Draft Combine, he measured 6-7, or three inches shorter than he was believed to be.
There was no doubt that Bailey would still be selected after this saga, but he now will enter the league under more scrutiny based on how the process was handled.
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