Projected lottery pick cancels predraft workout with 76ers in puzzling move

Former Rutgers star Ace Bailey has opted to cancel his lone scheduled pre-draft workout, with the Sixers, sources inform Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Bailey, projected as a top prospect in this month’s draft, had adamantly rejected any workout invitations from lottery teams prior to this slated Philadelphia audition. The Sixers possess the No. 3 pick.

A 6-foot-10 wing, Bailey averaged an impressive 17.6 PPG, 7.2 RPG and 1.3 APG across 30 healthy contests for Rutgers this past season. He earned 2025 All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Freshman honors for his play.

The young star is considered a high-upside scorer and shot creator, but his strategy to avoid team workouts has puzzled clubs.

Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports reports that flights, hotel accommodations and dinner plans had all been scheduled for Bailey’s visit.

Duke forward Cooper Flagg and Bailey’s Scarlet Knights teammate Dylan Harper are widely anticipated to be the top two selections this year, with Bailey, Baylor forward V.J. Edgecombe, Texas guard Tre Johnson, Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Frears, Duke center Khaman Maluach and Duke wing Kon Knueppel among the next tier of young NBA hopefuls.

The Blue Devils and Rutgers could have a virtual stranglehold on the 2025 draft’s top eight spots, with five players anticipated to be selected between the two programs. Unlike Rutgers, however, Duke actually made the NCAA Tournament this past March.