Ace Bailey is expected to be third overall in the NBA Draft, but there are many concerns surrounding him.
The 2025 NBA Draft features a high level of talent, and Rutgers University, not known for generating NBA talent, is expected to boast a top two picks in the draft.
After Cooper Flag was first selected overall, Dylan Harper will be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs, with Ace Bailey potentially taking third place for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Bailey was easily the best scorer in the draft, scoring 17.6 points per game in 46% shooting from the floor in his only NCAA season.
But he is not without flaws. His solid defender, his steering wheel, his athletic ability and most importantly, his shot choices are questionable, but he has not stopped him from having the highest confidence in himself.
In college, Bailey broke out as a tough shottaker and maker. His choices and vision of the tunnel are of great concern, but he believes his skill set will be translated into the NBA.
In the draft combine, he revealed to reporters that he modeled his game during media availability.
“KD, Paul George, Jason Tatum,” he listed. “I mean, Paul George and Jason Tatum are incredible in their creations to cut the shot. I feel like I’m watching myself doing the same thing.
All three of these players are underrated defenders like Bailey, three of the league’s most balanced offensive players. Like Bailey, as oversized wings, they don’t need to make much space to rise above the defenders.
Bailey is considered a high-level project player and he takes several seasons to hit the walk, but if he finds his footing, he must be a high-level scorer with Tylece Maxie, Jared McCain, Joel Embiid and George in the Six.
In college, Bailey was able to use the 6-foot-10 frame to get up and hit shots on top of a smaller defender. A better NBA defender, he doesn’t worry, but he can’t get a clean look with suspicious shots.
“The shots and workouts I’m working on are shots I do in the game,” he retorted. “So, that might be a bad shot for you, but you’re not going to work on it. I’m working on it, so that’s how I see it.”
Bailey appears to know that, for his achievements, he doesn’t have the first step to creating elite handles or space. So I’m used to the idea of creating tough shots rather than revamping the entire game with a better look.
Superstars like Stephen Curry were never good at making a lot of space with the ball in hand, but they learned to shoot with their hands in his face.
Bailey has half a foot in the curry, so if he can get up in traffic it’s almost impossible to get in his way.