Image: Omar Cooper and Ace Bailey’s Instagram
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Ace Bailey, the Atlanta Hawks’ top draft pick, just made a move no one saw coming. The 19-year-old forward has cut ties with his manager, Omar Cooper, and fans are buzzing about what this means for his young career.
The split comes only weeks after Bailey’s draft-night drama, where speculation swirled about behind-the-scenes disagreements. For someone just stepping into the NBA spotlight, it’s a bold and risky decision that has already set off debate online.
What Went Down Between Ace Bailey & Omar Cooper
Bailey’s split from Omar Cooper didn’t come out of thin air. According to reports, tensions between the two started surfacing around draft night. Rumors suggested Cooper and Bailey disagreed over negotiations, sponsorship deals, and even how Bailey’s brand should be handled off the court.
This is especially striking because Cooper has been a big figure in Bailey’s rise. He’s known for steering top prospects into the league and making sure they land in the right situations. To see Bailey walk away this early in his pro career raises questions about what’s really happening behind the curtain.
For the Hawks, this timing matters. Bailey is expected to be one of their franchise cornerstones moving forward. If his camp is already reshuffling, it could impact everything from his endorsement opportunities to how smoothly he adjusts to life in the NBA. One thing’s certain, every decision now carries extra weight.
Fans Call the Split “Wild” Speculation & Reactions Explode
As soon as the news broke, social media reactions came in rapidly. Some fans praised Bailey for standing on his own, calling it a power move that shows he’s serious about taking control of his career. Others weren’t so convinced, wondering if cutting ties with Cooper so soon could backfire.
Plenty of fans also blamed Cooper for how the draft played out. One comment summed it up: “That bro Omar Cooper singlehandedly ruined Bailey’s draft stock.” Another wrote, “Really let the man tank his draft stock and then fired him right before the season starts.”
Others pointed out the irony, with one saying, “Did all that during the draft process just to end up in Utah and dropping him.” These takes show just how divided the reaction is; some see Bailey as finally breaking free, while others view it as damage that’s already been done.
did all that during the draft process just to end up in Utah and dropping him 😭😭😭
— 𝐁𝐱𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐨 (@Bxnchero) September 24, 2025
Looking at the bigger picture, this could be a defining moment in how Bailey handles his business off the court. Players today are more vocal about who represents them, and Bailey clearly doesn’t want to waste time in a setup he doesn’t trust. Still, making such a move right after the draft puts him under an even brighter spotlight. Whether this ends up being a bold move or a rookie mistake is something we’ll be watching closely all season long.