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NBA Analyst Comments on Rutgers Prospect's Fit With the 76ers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers finished with a 24-58 record and missed out on the 2025 NBA playoffs. The injuries to Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey affected the team's performance. Fortunately for the 76ers, the organization was rewarded with the No. 3 pick of the upcoming draft.

Plenty of mock drafts have hinted that the Sixers could draft Rutgers star Ace Bailey. He's the projected No. 3 pick of this year's draft class. Bailey would get a chance to learn from veteran stars if the front office opts to select him on draft night.

However, not everyone thinks drafting Bailey would be a great idea for Philly. According to NBA analyst, Kevin O'Connor, the 6-foot-10 forward doesn't fit in well with the team.

Together with broadcaster and reporter John Fanta, O'Connor discussed why Bailey isn't a great fit for the 76ers.

"I think there's a real chance of that as well," O'Connor said about Bailey potentially slipping to the sixth or seventh pick. "Because some of the negatives with him and with some of the fit that the need of these teams, Philly at three doesn't need a guy who's a developmental project."

Fanta agreed with O'Connor, who added that it's a risky move to draft a youngster like Bailey, despite his upside.

"Because they need a tone setter as part of that not a developmental project," he continued. "Ace Bailey very well might end up the second or third best player in this draft class, but I don't think Philly can afford to wait for that or gamble on it."

The two discussed that Bailey won't have enough opportunities, given that Philly's Big 3 need the ball in their hands. They are trying to contend for a championship, which is why the 76ers aren't the ideal place for a top prospect like Bailey.

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

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