As the last waves of 2025 NBA mock drafts are released, one thing is becoming increasingly clear for the former Rutgers star duo of Ace Bailey and Dylan Harper. That fact is that despite the team's struggles this year as a whole, their projected draft stock from this time last year did not dip in the slightest as many mock drafts still have both of them as top three picks.
According to the mock draft ESPN released after the lottery drawing, Harper is expected to go second overall to the San Antonio Spurs with Bailey going third overall to the Philadelphia 76ers. Cooper Flagg from Duke is expected to go first overall to the Dallas Mavericks.
Espn is not the only one predicting this, Gilbert McGregor of sporting news also has them in that exact order.
“Harper is the best guard in this class and the clear-cut second-best player available. In an era where big guards are in, Harper is set to thrive.”
“Bailey is certainly not lacking for talent. At 6-8, Bailey has guard skills and the ability to knock down tough shots consistently. There are concerns about his shot selection at times, but that can be corrected in the right situation. He also has the physical tools to be a game-changer on defense.”
Kyle Boone of CBS Sports predicted the same order as well.
“Victor Wembanyama finds a new running mate in Dylan Harper, the draft’s second-best prospect, who projects as a lead guard who can play on and off the ball.”
“Philadelphia moving into the top three was among the big lottery night surprises. The 76ers can grab one of the big three in this class — here I have them taking Ace Bailey — adding a dynamic scoring wing to a core that includes Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey.”
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