Rutgers star Ace Bailey is placing the league on discover with an influence play because the 2025 NBA Draft nears.
The previous Rutgers ahead instantly canceled his scheduled Friday exercise with the Philadelphia 76ers, who’re slated to choose No. 3 total, based on ESPN’s Draft Specific.
Bailey is now the one U.S.-based prospect to not meet with a single staff, having declined invites from a number of franchises in his projected draft vary.
He’s anticipated to be a lottery choose and a doable top-three choice.
Draft Specific experiences that the Sixers haven’t dominated out selecting Bailey at No. 3, which is his projected draft slot based on most specialists, regardless of this stunning growth.
The Wizards (No. 6), Pelicans (No. 7), and Nets (No. 8) are all anticipated to be aggressive in transferring up for Bailey come Wednesday’s draft.
Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz additionally choose No. 5 total and may very well be within the combine.
The Hornets choose fourth, however prospects have reportedly refused to work out for the staff as a consequence of a scarcity of curiosity in taking part in with LaMelo Ball.
A earlier report added that Bailey’s camp knowledgeable groups that they imagine he’s a top-three participant, however additionally they “seek a clear pathway to stardom.”
The Draft Specific report added that Bailey might really feel snug going to a special staff later within the draft or by means of a commerce.
Philadelphia beforehand labored out Baylor freshman star VJ Edgecombe, the presumed No. 4 prospect within the NBA draft.
Some have placed on their tinfoil hats to develop theories involving this weird set of decision-making by Bailey and his staff, and one circulating thought is that the previous Scarlet Knight has already obtained a promise to be drafted by a staff he’s snug taking part in for sooner or later.
ABC’s Jason Dumas reported that Bailey was in search of a promise from the Sixers previous to the assembly.
Bailey’s teammate, Ron Harper, is the consensus No. 2 projected choose, whereas Duke Cooper Flagg is locked in because the No. 1 total choose.
Bailey attended the NBA Draft Mix and had a powerful season for Rutgers, tallying 17.6 factors per sport with 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 46 p.c taking pictures (34.6 from 3-point vary).
