NBA executive explains why Ace Bailey has the highest ceiling in this draft class

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights have had an up-and-down season, but they’ve still been one of the must-watch teams throughout the course of the college basketball campaign.

That’s had plenty to do with Dylan Harper, but also with Ace Bailey, both of whom are projected to be top-five — or maybe even top-three — selections in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Bailey has averaged 18.0 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game on 46.3% from the floor. And, according to an NBA executive, he might have the highest ceiling in this class.

Ace Bailey checks all the boxes, says NBA executive

“He might have the highest ceiling in the draft. I know [he’s] inconsistent and there are question marks with the playmaking — the shotmaking and creation could be elite,” the unnamed executive told ESPN’s Jeremy Woo. “He checks those boxes if he hits the level he could be capable of.”

Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Notably, that’s a lot to say, considering that Duke star Cooper Flagg will also be a part of this draft class. Even so, the 6-foot-10 Bailey has drawn comparisons to players like Kevin Durant.

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Bailey is still raw, and he’ll be a bit of a project for whoever gets him. Even so, with his physical tools and scoring prowess, he could end up being the best player in this class.