The high-scoring, shot-making nature of Rutgers Scarlet Knights star Ace Bailey enticed scouts so much during his lone season in college that he’s considered a near lock to be taken as a top-five pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Which team could that be, and why does he deserve to be in this spot?
What Makes Ace Bailey a Top 2025 NBA Draft Prospect?
Standing 6’8″, Bailey is a bona fide scorer. During his time with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, he scored 17.6 points on 46.0% from the field — a higher mark than one might expect considering his difficult shot diet. He also shot 34.6% from three-point range, a respectable mark for an 18-year-old.
That’s not to say all he did was shoot the ball, as he also mixed it up on the glass, recording 7.2 rebounds with his slight frame. As the season went on, he upped his defensive effort, using his length to disrupt the opposition and having the ability to stay in front.
Seen as a player with the potential to be a star for a long time in the league, which teams would be best suited to maximize Bailey’s potential?
Philadephia 76ers
Holding the No. 3 spot and presumably the most likely team to select Bailey, the 76ers have already established a roster and could take a chance on the ultra-talented forward without having him contribute a ton right away.
The former Rutgers star could begin in a bench role and learn from the likes of Paul George and Joel Embiid what it takes to be a star in the NBA.
San Antonio Spurs
If Bailey is able to unseat his Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper and become the Spurs’ top target with the second overall pick, San Antonio would be an excellent destination for him to thrive in.
Also, it’s not a place where he’d have to produce right away. The Spurs are rebuilding and could pair Bailey with superstar Victor Wembanyama in the frontcourt. Both have the ability to stretch the floor from deep. Imagine the length defensively as well; if they believe in his long-term ability, the Spurs would be wise to take a shot on Bailey here.
Utah Jazz
Lacking an accomplished player on the wing, the Jazz would be the spot where Bailey would get shots and touches aplenty. Essentially, he’d be thrown into the fire and asked to produce right away while being given leeway in adapting to the NBA game.
Head coach Will Hardy has already proven himself to be one of the best in the league, as he’s repeatedly gotten the most out of young players and turned their talents into wins. If Bailey falls to them at No. 5, it should be a no-brainer to select Bailey.
Brooklyn Nets
If, for some reason, Bailey falls all the way to No. 8, the Nets would happily snatch him up and hitch their wagon to him, as they lack young talent on the roster. With high-level role players around him, the former Scarlet Knights forward would have a lot of touches and be able to grow on the fly, similar to what it’d look like in Utah.
There would be higher expectations that come with the New York media, but Bailey has been in the spotlight as a top prospect for years now; he thrives even more in this environment.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have a player similar to Bailey on their current roster, Trey Murphy III, but that could be very beneficial for his development. Learning the game from someone who plays a similar way and is a budding star would be in Bailey’s long-term best interests.
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Though it may be unlikely that he’s still on the board come the No. 7 pick, New Orleans continues to add young talent and could take a player with a sky-high ceiling.
Dark Horse Destinations That Could Surprise on Draft Night
Bailey is exactly the type of talent that contending teams with a large amount of draft ammo could trade up and take a chance on.
The Oklahoma City Thunder stick out as a franchise that could do so, as general manager Sam Presti has hoarded lottery picks in the coming years. If they believe in Bailey’s long-term ability and feel he’d be a fit next to their star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, keep an eye out for the Thunder to make a big move.
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