The 2025 NBA Draft tips off today with eyes firmly on Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the standout projected as the No. 1 pick after an elite season averaging 19.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg.
But there's also considerable chatter around Rutgers freshman Ace Bailey, once widely considered a top‑three lock, quickly slipping through the spots.
Despite his unquestioned talent, 17.6 ppg, 7.2 rpg, and McDonald’s All‑American pedigree, Bailey has raised eyebrows by skipping every pre‑draft workout.
He called off sessions with multiple teams, including a last‑minute cancellation with the Philadelphia 76ers, who own the No. 3 pick.
"If I'm Ace Bailey, I can't get mad if my stock drops. He's canceled all workouts, like he hasn't worked out for any team." Paul George said during his podcast.
“You're not in position to be making all these demands. Make it to the league first... The way of going about it is just not right."
Paul George
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (8) catches a ball.
© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Critics describe this strategy as "unprofessional". ESPN’s Jay Bilas compared it to elite NFL prospects like Eli Manning and John Elway asserting control.
"I'm not bothered by not wanting to work out for different teams." Bilas said. "If he wants to go a certain place -- I mean, if it was okay for Eli Manning and John Elway to do it, I don't see why it's not okay for him."
"I wouldn't schedule something and then cancel out. That's a question of professionalism."
Even Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro weighed in bluntly saying, "He's got great talent, great upside, but if you don't want to be here, if you're not dying to be here, I don't want you to be here".