The 2025 NBA Draft is just over a week away with the first round scheduled for Wednesday, June 25 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Duke Blue Devils superstar Cooper Flagg is expected to be the first player taken by the Dallas Mavericks in hopes of replacing departed superstar Luka Doncic.
On Tuesday, word surfaced that another top player has reportedly garnered frustrations from several NBA teams based on behavioral tendencies that remind many fans of former Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders headed toward next Wednesday.
Fans called him out as they attempted to make sense of the latest word on his pre-draft strategy.
Ace Bailey at the combine on May 14.
Ace Bailey on May 14 at the NBA Combine.
© David Banks-Imagn Images
"(Former Rutgers star) Ace Bailey's draft stock has been falling due to his unwillingness to visit several teams and the fact that he has yet to conduct a single workout, per @DraftExpress," the X page NBA Central wrote, citing an ESPN article.
"Bailey believes he's a top-three player in the draft and wants to be selected by a team that will provide him a clear pathway to stardom," the page added.
"Bailey's pre draft strategy has perplexed some observers, as he has yet to conduct a single known workout to date, having declined invitations from several teams within his draft range.
"Sources say Bailey's camp has informed interest 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."
Fans took Bailey to task in the comments section.
"Man, the entitlement of some kids today," one reader said.
"Dudes about to fall like Shedeur," another added.
"With that arrogance, he'll be out in a few years," another said.
Another cast doubt on the report.
"People actually believe this. Teams will do anything to change the narrative," another said.
"High risk move, but not unheard of," another fan said, mentioning Kawhi Leonard.