Top Prospect Ace Bailey Cancels Workout With Sixers

Former Rutgers standout Ace Bailey, considered one of the top prospects in this year’s NBA Draft, has canceled his lone scheduled pre-draft workout — with the Philadelphia 76ers, no less — according to a report from ESPN’s Jonathan Givony.

The 6-foot-10 wing had previously declined all invitations to work out for lottery teams, making the Sixers visit a notable exception. Philadelphia holds the No. 3 overall pick in next week’s draft.

Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists over 30 games for the Scarlet Knights last season, earning both All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman honors.

He’s widely viewed as one of the draft’s highest-upside scorers, praised for his length, athleticism and shot creation.

But skipping workouts? That’s becoming part of his story, and not in a way that helps. Teams are reportedly scratching their heads over the decision, and the last-minute scratch in Philly — after travel and meetings were already lined up — may only add to concerns.

Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports noted that flights, hotels and even dinner plans had already been set in place before Bailey pulled the plug.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg and Bailey’s former Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper are expected to go No. 1 and No. 2, respectively.

Bailey had been part of the conversation for the top three, alongside fellow projected lottery picks such as Baylor’s V.J. Edgecombe, Texas guard Tre Johnson, Oklahoma’s Jeremiah Frears, Duke big man Khaman Maluach, and Blue Devils wing Kon Knueppel.

If mock drafts are any indication, Duke and Rutgers may control the top eight picks. The difference? Duke made the NCAA Tournament this past March. Rutgers did not.