With the 2025 NBA Draft approaching in just three weeks, the debate surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers’ No. 3 pick suddenly intensifies. Rumors, speculation, and conflicting reports have fueled uncertainty about whether Daryl Morey will select Rutgers standout Ace Bailey or if the Sixers will take an entirely different approach.
Reddit Fans Debate Ace Bailey’s Fate in 76ers Draft Spot
Daryl Morey, the President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers, is known for prioritizing 3-point shooting and efficient scoring. This raises critical doubts because Bailey hardly fits into that system.
Meanwhile, discussions on Reddit and across the NBA community suggest that the front office may lean toward an alternate prospect or even consider trading down for better roster flexibility.
Ace Bailey will* not be a 76er.
byu/gdk_dinkleberg inNBA_Draft
The 76ers hold the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. This one pick has recently created enough buzz in the media, and not all of that conversation is positive. While many analysts expect them to select Rutgers wing Ace Bailey, recent discussions—including a heated Reddit debate—suggest that Daryl Morey may have other plans.
Bailey, a 6’10” forward, has been projected as a top-three pick for months. But as soon as the 76ers secured the No. 3 pick, it sparked massive conversation about his fit with Morey’s analytical approach.
One Reddit user summarized the dilemma with this thought, emphasizing that every scouting department in the league operates on a single shared principle—Best Player Available. If the 76ers’ front office believes Ace Bailey is that player, then he will be the pick, regardless of analytics, win-now strategy, or fit.
However, others argue that Morey’s data-driven philosophy clashes with Bailey’s playing style. He averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists last season at Rutgers, shooting 46% from the field and 34.6% from three.
Nobody can question his shooting strength, but the catch is his passing limitations. Morey might not like his tendency to take contested mid-range shots.
Another Reddit user, Fancy_Chipmunk5472, suggested that if the 76ers prefer Texas guard Tre Johnson, they should trade down with Utah to pick up extra assets. He wrote, “If the 76ers prefer Tre Johnson, trading down with Utah could at least get extra assets and give Morey room to make more moves.”
The way Philadelphia built its team is a big part of this heated dispute. The Sixers need a player who can help right away since Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George are in charge of the squad. Bailey’s growth may not mesh with their current championship window, but Johnson’s shooting and passing skills would be a better fit.
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Now, this debate will continue until June 25, as another Reddit user said, “We’ll see who they draft in three weeks.” So, let’s wait and see what will finally happen on draft night.
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