Every year, NBA teams search for the next big star to transform their franchise. So, when some top draft expert compares a rising prospect to an established NBA All-Star, it immediately grabs attention. That’s precisely what happened recently with Rutgers standout Ace Bailey.
There’s nothing wrong with comparing young NBA prospects to current powerhouse athletes, as it helps gauge their potential. However, what makes the projected top-three pick especially intriguing is the uncertainty surrounding his height.
Right now, those following his progress on social media are struggling to determine his actual height, as different sources have reported varying measurements, with each claiming to be correct.
Ace Bailey’s Height Discrepancy Needs To Be Cleared Up
Bailey has officially declared for the 2025 NBA Draft after a standout freshman season at Rutgers. The highly rated prospect caught national attention with his all-around game and strong performances throughout the year.
Rutgers’ Ace Bailey’s official measurements from the NBA Draft Combine:
6’7 1/2 barefoot, 202.8 lbs with a 7’0 ½” wingspan and 8’11″ standing reach pic.twitter.com/FzkhKA2cM1
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 12, 2025
Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Bailey began his high school career at Boyd-Buchanan School. He later transferred to McEachern High School in Georgia, where he exploded as a senior. There, he dominated on the court, averaging 32.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game.
At Rutgers, Bailey also kept impressing fans and scouts alike. He posted solid numbers with 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game as a freshman. His strong college performance put him in the conversation for a top-five pick, with some even projecting him as high as third overall.
However, it wasn’t just his stats that grabbed attention. During his time at Rutgers, Bailey was listed at 6’10”. But when he measured in at the NBA Draft Combine, he came in at just 6’7″ barefoot. That number raised a few eyebrows, especially since many had assumed his height gave him a major edge at his position.
It’s common for college teams to inflate players’ heights, often including measurements with shoes on. In contrast, the NBA measures players barefoot, which usually reveals a more accurate number. Most players end up about an inch shorter than their college listings, but Bailey’s three-inch drop has raised eyebrows everywhere.
Meanwhile, the NBA Draft Combine actually listed him at 6’7.5″, not a full three inches shorter than 6’10”. This is because the Combine measures players very precisely, sometimes down to fractions of an inch.
When a player measures 6’7.5″, it means he is just a bit taller than 6’7” but not quite 6’8”. Instead of rounding down, the exact 6’7.5” is reported for accuracy.
On the other hand, teams often round heights to whole numbers for their official rosters. That’s why some sources list Bailey as 6’8”, while others stick to the exact 6’7.5” from the Combine.
So, does this really matter? At 6’10”, Bailey would’ve been seen as an oversized wing—a big advantage. But at 6’7.5″, that edge is smaller, especially when defending or finishing over longer players.
KEEP READING: Ace Bailey or Dylan Harper: Who is Favored To Go No. 2 in the 2025 NBA Draft?
Still, there’s another side to the story. Bailey’s wingspan measured 7 feet, 0.5 inches, and his standing reach came in at an elite 8 feet, 11 inches. Those numbers are impressive and show he still has the length to match up physically at the next level.
Despite the height debate, no one questions Bailey’s wingspan. That trait keeps him an elite athlete and a strong NBA prospect, which speaks louder than a tape measure.
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