With the 2025 NBA Draft just one week away, Rutgers forward Ace Bailey is taking an unusual path in his pre-draft process. This has made it difficult for teams and analysts to predict where he will be selected.
Bailey, considered by some as the third-best prospect in the 2025 draft class, has not held a single workout with any NBA team, according to an ESPN report. He is the only top prospect to skip all pre-draft workouts so far.
This decision is not Bailey’s alone. His team has turned down invitations from NBA franchises, explaining that they believe Bailey is a top-3 player and does not need to prove himself in workouts. Bailey’s agent, Omar Cooper — CEO and founder of LifeStyle Sports Agency — has also been involved in this approach. Their actions have reportedly upset some teams and league insiders.
Bailey is an intriguing and somewhat puzzling prospect. Standing tall and long, he often takes contested jump shots early in the shot clock. Despite this unusual shot selection, he has a high shooting percentage. However, the NBA currently favors more efficient shots like layups and three-pointers, based on analytics. This difference in style, combined with his refusal to work out, has led to doubts among some teams.
Another point of concern is that Bailey’s camp wants him to have a clear path to a starting role once drafted. They are reportedly confident that if teams like the Philadelphia 76ers or the Charlotte Hornets pass on him, another team will trade up to select him. This adds uncertainty about where he will ultimately land.
Bailey is scheduled to work out with the 76ers, who hold the third overall pick, later this week. Still, reports suggest the team favors Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe instead.
If Bailey does not work out for any other team before the draft on June 25, it will be challenging to assess his value. Teams that have not seen him in person will have to make critical decisions about his future in the NBA.
