After a disappointing 24-58 season marred by injuries and inconsistency, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking to reset and reload. Despite boasting stars like Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and veteran Paul George, the Sixers crumbled in the regular season, finishing as one of the league’s bottom dwellers.
However, the NBA Draft Lottery offered a silver lining. Philadelphia landed the No. 3 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, and our expert widely predicts that they will use it to select Rutgers forward Ace Bailey.
Bailey, a 6'10" super-athletic forward, had a breakout season with the Scarlet Knights. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 46.0% from the field and 34.6% from three. His two-way impact and positional versatility make him an ideal fit for a Sixers team desperate for wing help.
According to multiple draft insiders, Bailey is viewed as one of the most NBA-ready players in the 2025 class. His combination of size, agility, and defensive instincts allows him to guard multiple positions, while his emerging perimeter game gives him stretch potential as a modern forward.
Offensively, he thrives in transition, can knock down mid-range shots, and has flashed the ability to hit threes off the catch. Defensively, he competes hard and has the tools to switch onto guards and bigs alike.
For the 76ers, adding Bailey solves several pressing issues. First, they need youth, energy, and size on the wing. Second, with Paul George likely to be moved this offseason, Bailey becomes a seamless long-term replacement. George, though productive when healthy, struggled to stay on the court, and his age and contract are concerns for a franchise looking to retool around Embiid and Maxey.
The Sixers also desperately need someone who can help defensively on the perimeter, especially given how much Embiid is asked to anchor the paint. Bailey’s high motor, defensive versatility, and rebounding ability mean he could contribute right away as a rookie.
From a roster construction standpoint, Bailey also fits nicely between the Sixers’ two cornerstone players. Tyrese Maxey is an explosive scorer but undersized defensively. Embiid remains one of the league’s best two-way bigs but needs healthy and reliable help around him.
Bailey gives the Sixers a much-needed balance, he doesn’t need the ball to be effective, can defend multiple positions, and has offensive upside that can be nurtured over time.
His youth also provides Philadelphia with a longer-term asset. Maxey is only 24. Embiid, despite health concerns, remains in his prime. With Bailey entering as a 19-year-old potential star, the Sixers could develop a new core trio that bridges their present with their future.
If all goes according to plan, the addition of Ace Bailey could represent a turning point for the franchise. After years of postseason flameouts and constant turnover, the Sixers may finally be positioning themselves for sustained success and Bailey might just be the missing piece they’ve been waiting for.
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