Paul George Retracts Ace Bailey Criticism; Defends Jazz Rookie Despite 76ers Rejection

Ace Bailey began his journey in the NBA in quite possibly the most controversial manner that any player has in recent history. Rejecting workouts before the Draft with teams that he felt should not draft him was seen as a questionable decision across the NBA. 

He even rejected working out with the Philadelphia 76ers, who could've put him in the elite category of being a 'Top-3 pick' in the NBA, and even the Utah Jaz,z who eventually drafted him. Yet, the 76ers veteran Paul George believed that he was not wrong in doing what he did, and we should respect him for knowing what he wants. 

George appeared in an episode of his podcast where he was interviewing Isaiah Hartenstein, the NBA champion from the Thunder. He spoke his mind on Ace Bailey's decision and retracted his criticism of Bailey in the past. 

“I want to kind of retract what I said,” George said on Podcast P. “How can we get on a kid that kind of knows what he wants? We're not in his shoes. He wants to do it his way. He's good enough, he's got the talent, he's gonna go where he wants to go. That's his decision." 

"It could have backfired, but it didn't. He's still in a great situation; he still gets to showcase what he could do. He had a great game too. He went crazy, showed his potential, a flash of it.”

Ace Bailey played only two games for the Utah Jazz in the Summer League before he was shut down due to his hip injury. He averaged 13 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game in those two performances. He seems to have done enough for George to take back his own words about Bailey. 

What Paul George Originally Said About Ace Bailey

When Bailey originally cancelled his workout with the 76ers, it left a sour taste in the mouth of almost everyone associated with the organization, including Paul George. George went on his podcast before the NBA draft and criticized the eventual fifth overall pick in the draft. 

“If I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops. He’s canceled all workouts, like he hasn’t worked out for any team. So, I think they made a big deal cause we were scheduled to work him out and he canceled the day of."

"But he hasn’t worked out for any team. 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 whose representing him, but I don’t think they’re going about it the right way.”

 At the time, Bailey, who was initially predicted to be drafted within the first three picks of the 2025 NBA Draft, was highly expected to further fall in the order after he decided to cancel workouts. The Jazz eventually picked him fifth overall, and the Jazz's part-owner, NBA legend Dwyane Wade, seems excited about Bailey's future with the team, and Paul George suddenly also seems to agree.