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Ace Bailey Avoids 76ers Question Before NBA Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 10:15 AM ET

A new wave of elite basketball talent is about to find its NBA homes as the 2025 NBA Draft tips off Wednesday night. One of the more intriguing names entering the draft is Ace Bailey, whose pre-draft decisions have sparked debate across the league.

Bailey notably did not work out with the Philadelphia 76ers, who currently hold the third overall pick. Despite skipping that workout, many analysts still project him to land in Philadelphia. Others believe the 76ers may instead opt for V.J. Edgecombe, who did meet with the team.

In a recent pre-draft interview, Adam Zagoria, shared when Bailey was asked directly about the 76ers situation. His response was vague.

“I’m just glad to be in this position. I’m taking it day by day...I’m focused on basketball.”

‘I’m just glad to be in this position. I’m taking it day by day …I’m focused on basketball’

Ace Bailey when asked why he didn’t want to work out for the 76ers@RutgersMBB pic.twitter.com/rm8gzUSb7z
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) June 24, 2025

According to CBS Sports, 76ers star Paul George wasn’t thrilled with Bailey’s approach. On his "Podcast P," George criticized the young prospect for skipping team workouts entirely.

“I mean, I think if I'm Ace Bailey, I can't get mad if my stock drops,” George said. “He's canceled all workouts. He hasn't worked out for any team. I think they made a big deal because we were scheduled to work him out, and he canceled the day of. But you're not in a position to be making those demands. Make it to the league first. It's for sure the people around him. I don't know who's representing him, but I don't think they're going about it the right way.”

Bailey, a 6-foot-10 guard/forward from Rutgers, spent one season with the Scarlet Knights. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds over 30 games. Despite a roster that also included fellow top prospect Dylan Harper, Rutgers missed the NCAA Tournament.

Before college, Bailey won Mr. Georgia Basketball in 2024 and played in elite showcases like the McDonald's All-American Game, Nike Hoop Summit and the Jordan Brand Classic.

Most projections have Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper as the likely top two picks. After that, things get less predictable. Edgecombe remains a strong candidate for the 76ers, and Duke’s Kon Knueppel also surged up draft boards in recent weeks.

The speculation around Bailey will finally end Wednesday night when his NBA future is officially decided.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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