The Philadelphia 76ers won’t know the status of their first-round pick until the lottery on May 12 as the pick is only top 6 protected. However, if the Sixers do end up keeping that pick, then there are going to be plenty of options for President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey and Co. to choose from.
It’s time to look at some potential draft prospects. The Sixers will have plenty of talented players to choose from and add to their stockpile of young pieces. It’s time to really break down the games of each of these prospects and see who best fits a Philadelphia team still focused on contending in the 2025-26 season if it can get some injury luck for once.
Up next in this series is Rutgers star Ace Bailey. If the Sixers want to add some size, athleticism, and somebody who can put the ball in the basket in a hurry, Bailey can be their guy. Philadelphia would need some lottery luck to move up and grab him, but he is a player who can produce right away.
Here is a look at what Bailey can bring to the table in the NBA:
Bailey’s 2024-25 statsCategoryPPGRPGAPGSPGBPGFG%3FG%Bailey’s numbers17.67.21.31.01.346%34.6%Strengths
Bailey is a prolific offensive player who can get to his spots with ease. He has an ability to score in isolation which helps when the offense gets bogged down and due to his size–he’s listed at 6-foot-10–he can rise up over a lot of defenders and knock down jumpers with his soft touch. The young man has a confidence about him that he feels like he can’t be stopped. That type of belief in one’s self goes a long way in the league. It also helps that he has a high basketball IQ and understands when to cut and get himself open looks. Defensively, he has the length to recover if he is beaten on the perimeter to come up with some blocked shots and he can guard different positions.
Weaknesses
The 3-point shot definitely needs some refining when he enters the league. While the mechanics are there, he has to find a way to be more consistent with it. He is a streaky shooter who can be tough to stop when he’s on, but he can be a mess when the shot isn’t falling. Also, due to that confidence mentioned above, his shot selection can be questionable. He has a tendency of falling in love with the tough looks, but that can be fixed with coaching and development.
Potential fit for the Sixers
Philadelphia needs young talent and Bailey fits that mold at just 18 years old. He won’t turn 19 until August and he is somebody who can come in and produce right away. The Sixers can use a player who can hop off the bench and give them microwave scoring and he would be a nice addition should they lose Quentin Grimes in free agency.