Rutgers forward Ace Bailey has emerged as a contentious figure. While some see him as a high-upside shot-maker with the potential to become a star, others are skeptical about his ability to translate his college performance to the NBA level.
This division is particularly evident among Philadelphia 76ers fans, who are split on whether Bailey should be their choice with the third overall pick.
The Debate Over Ace Bailey’s Potential
Kevin O’Connor, a senior analyst at Yahoo Sports, recently hosted a discussion on his show with Jonathan Givony, a well-respected NBA draft expert. The conversation centered around Bailey’s prospects and the ongoing debate among Sixers fans.
O’Connor expressed a cautious view, stating, “There’s already kinda like a war among Sixers fans about Ace Bailey. You have Sixers fans that want Ace Bailey because it’s upside, 6’9”, 6’10”, shot-maker, then you have a lot of Sixers fans who are like he couldn’t help Rutgers win. How is he gonna help us win games here right now? With Ace Bailey, I think he’s most likely to bust at the top five guys. That’s my opinion.”
Sixers fans are split over Ace Bailey. But @DraftExpress? “I love Ace Bailey…if I’m Philadelphia I’m 100% drafting him 3rd.” https://t.co/AZozErckxb pic.twitter.com/dwZZksgHEo
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) May 16, 2025
This perspective reflects a common concern, which is Bailey’s inability to lead Rutgers to success despite his individual records. Last season, Bailey averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds, showcasing his scoring ability and versatility.
However, the Scarlet Knights’ disappointing team performance has led some to question whether he can cope with the pressure and expectations of an NBA team, more importantly, one with championship aspirations like the Sixers.
Givony, however, offered a starkly different viewpoint, firmly believing in Bailey’s potential.
“Absolutely not. No. No, I mean I love Ace Bailey. I uh, I live in New York, so I got a chance to spend a lot of time with Rutgers, both in practice and in games. Also, watch them quite a bit. USA basketball and high school have had an opportunity to get to know him also off the court, and I firmly believe that Ace Bailey is gonna be a star in the NBA,” he said.
His confidence stems from Bailey’s physical attributes, including his size, length, and explosiveness, combined with his shot-making ability. Bailey is just 18 years old, turning 19 in August. So, he sees Bailey as a raw talent with immense upside.
Givony also addressed the criticism regarding Bailey’s competitiveness and team impact, countering, “I think people talk about the Rutgers stuff and all that, you know. Sure, you cannot come for that, but he’s a very competitive guy. He wants to win.”
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Bailey’s choice would mean the Sixers’ commitment to building around young, high-upside talent alongside their established stars. It would also reflect a willingness to take risks, betting on Bailey’s potential to develop into a star rather than seeking a more proven talent out there.
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