Rutgers star Ace Bailey makes shocking NBA Draft decision

Ace Bailey showed glimpses of great play in his lone season at Rutgers. However, he also proved to be quite raw and still a work in progress with multiple areas of improvement.

Some believe that he’s the most talented player in this class, and he might have a higher upside than Cooper Flagg. Then again, it may take a while before he reaches that level.

That’s why his decision not to work out for several teams has turned plenty of heads around the league. Apparently, he’s only going to work out with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team in possession of the No. 3 selection.

Ace Bailey might be scaring teams away

“Bailey’s camp has informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-3 player in the draft, but also seeks a clear pathway to stardom, perhaps feeling comfortable that a team will trade up to get him at Nos. 3 or 4, should he drop,” ESPN’s Jonathan Givony wrote.

Ace Bailey #4 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights

Bailey was already a controversial subject among NBA teams. Now, it seems like no one wants to be the team that passed on him, but they’re not so sure about taking him either.

“He scares people because they don’t want to draft him, and also because they’re worried if they don’t draft him, he’s going to become a star and make them look very stupid,“ added Givony.

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There’s never something like a ‘can’t-miss’ player in the NBA Draft, regardless of the talent and physical tools, and it will be interesting to see how this situation unfolds come draft night.