Ace Bailey cancels pre-draft workout with 76ers

The news on Wednesday that Airious “Ace” Bailey, cancelled his exercise with the Philadelphia 76ers has brought a concern simmering on the back burner to the front burner and a complete boil:

Bailey’s predraft choices– not exercising for any team, seemingly not having any company in his predraft process being run by his representative, Omar Cooper, and some rather bold/outlandish quotes– have actually made a number of teams at the top of the draft hesitate, league sources told NBC Sports. Enough that he is seen by lots of as moving down draft boards. Have a look at what Jonathan Givony and Shams Charania of ESPN composed in their story breaking the news about Bailey’s 76ers cancellation.Bailey’s predraft technique has perplexed NBA teams over the past month, as he is currently the only U.S.-based possibility yet to visit any clubs. He has declined invitations from several groups in his draft variety, which is considered to be anywhere from No. 3 to No. 8 … Sources state Bailey’s camp has actually notified interested teams that it

believes he is a top-three player in the draft, however also looks for a clear path to fame, wanting to discover a circumstance with ample minutes and usage to maximize his full potential.Long-time basketball insider Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 threw Cooper’s name into the fire after the 76ers’

cancellation, echoing what many individuals in the basketball world have actually been stating quietly. Bailey’s agent, Omar Cooper, also wished to make money to do on-camera interviews this previous season. It just appears as though Ace Bailey has received

some bad suggestions over the previous year. Has rubbed a great deal of individuals the incorrect method. https://t.co/PefNUuq7n9!.?.!— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops)June 17, 2025 Bailey is brash. That’s not a bad thing– Anthony Edwards was and is bold, however he also

reveals an understanding of the game and desire to find out that can bring some humility. Most significantly, Edwards backs all of it up. Today, Bailey’s version of brash is simply rubbing teams the incorrect way. Favorite part of our ESPN Integrate broadcast interviews was easily Ace Bailey’s answer to Sean Farnham’s question. “Ain’t got no weak points and I got more than 2 strengths huge pet dog”pic.twitter.com/RTTUXzvOla!.?.!— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress)May 16, 2025 On paper, Bailey checks

all packages of a prototypical modern-day NBA wing: He’s 6’8″, a freak professional athlete, high motor, can create his own shot, can shoot the

3(36.7 %this season), and is a tough shot maker, balancing 18.4 points and 7.2 rebounds a

game. The ceiling for Bailey has actually always been high, and moments at Rutgers last season revealed that potential. Nevertheless, he’s polarizing due to the fact that some scouts question just how much of that possible he will live up to.At one point, Bailey was considered practically a lock for the No. 3 choice( after Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper), now he is moving down draft boards. For example, ESPN’s plugged-in Givoney has Bailey going No. 6 to the Wizards. The 76ers(assuming they keep the No. 3 choice, no sure thing)would ask Bailey to play a role in the guard rotation with Tyrese Maxey, along with stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, on a group with title goals next season. This report suggests Bailey is looking for a group that will turn over the secrets to the offense to him next season. That’s a much shorter list., but it also may not matter to teams who

would just prepare him anyway.Charlotte, at No. 4, includes LaMelo Ball running the offense, together with Brandon Miller on the wing. Would they rather have a shooter like Duke’s Kon Knueppel? Utah at No. 5 is attempting to construct a style and culture in the mold of Oklahoma City and Indiana. Would they want to bring Baley into that, or pass? The Wizards at No. 6 or the Pelicans at No. 7 may be the type of healthy Bailey is trying to find, however how strong is their interest in him? Brooklyn would be another group that would take him and give him the secrets to the offense, if he falls that far. Time will tell how Bailey’s predraft choices play out– if he plays well on the court next season, all this will be forgotten(and some GMs might be in problem for passing on him). However, if he doesn’t fulfil his capacity, it’s the GM who prepared him who might deal with difficulty. That mix is what has teams high up on the draft board having lengthy conversations about Bailey.