With the 2025 NBA draft inching closer, a lot of eyes are on Rutgers star Ace Bailey who is projected as a top 5 pick in this class behind Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper. The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 3 pick in the draft and a lot of projections have Bailey going to Philadelphia, but his strategy has been confusing.
Bailey had a workout scheduled with the Sixers, but he decided to cancel at the last minute which sent a few shockwaves throughout the league. It was a peculiar decision when also considering he has not worked out for any team ahead of the draft. It’s strange to see such a highly rated prospect not work out for any team before the draft.
Former Sixers guard Lou Williams hopped on “Run It Back” and gave his thoughts on Bailey’s strategy:
There is a handshake deal behind the scenes somewhere. There is a team that wants him and he wants to be at that team and with that he’s OK with the narrative going out that he doesn’t want to work.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points for the Scarlet Knights in the 2024-25 season and will look to take that scoring ability to the NBA level as he moves forward to the next step in his career. As for the Sixers, they still have to do their due diligence in order to prepare for June 25 and look to get right for the night. Whether the move is to take Bailey, Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe, or trade down remains to be seen.