Rutgers standout Ace Bailey is one of the most polarizing names in the 2025 NBA Draft class, and for good reason. The 6’10” freshman forward turned heads all season with his flashy offense, highlight plays, and elite scoring numbers.
But as the NBA Combine nears, a growing number of analysts are beginning to point out a few fundamental issues that could hinder his development as a next-level player.
Despite Impressive Stats, Ace Bailey’s Shot Selection and Defensive Engagement Raise Red Flags for NBA Scouts
Bailey’s raw stats are undeniably impressive. Averaging 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game, he earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors, was named third-team All-Big Ten, and was recently selected to the All-Metropolitan First Team.
He also became one of the highest-scoring freshmen in Rutgers history with 510 total points, trailing only Dylan Harper and Mike Rosario on the all-time single-season list.
Ace Bailey has been one of the most contentious prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft. While his ceiling his sky high, his flaws could prevent him from reaching it. So what are his major areas of improvement to max that potential?
I broke it down. Full vid on @NoCeilingsNBA YouTube
pic.twitter.com/9K3kz3s7bF
— NBA Draft Dude
(@CoreyTulaba) May 4, 2025
Bailey thrives on contested jumpers and difficult shot attempts, often launching long twos and deep threes with defenders draped all over him. While he has a clean-looking jumper, his lack of ball-handling polish and a reliable go-to move means he settles far too often.
This led to a scoring profile that was high-volume but low-efficiency, a tough sell for NBA teams that prioritize smart shot selection and offensive flow.
Physically, Bailey has all the tools. At 6’10” with a rumored plus wingspan, he’s a matchup nightmare. But his rail-thin frame forces him to take looping, inefficient paths to the rim, often avoiding contact instead of finishing strong. This weakness has negatively impacted his finishing numbers and will only become more glaring against NBA-level rim protectors.
Perhaps even more concerning than his offense, however, is Bailey’s inconsistent defense. On paper, he has the frame, length, and quickness to be a versatile multi-positional defender.
He flashes moments of brilliance, using his wingspan to swallow up drivers or disrupt passing lanes, but too often looks disengaged off the ball, losing track of his man or falling asleep in help situations.
KEEP READING: Are Tyson Acuff and Darius Acuff Related? Here’s What We Know
To reach his full NBA potential, Bailey doesn’t need to be a primary option. In fact, he projects best as a high-level third option: a floor-stretching, glass-cleaning, rim-running forward who thrives off ball movement and takes advantage of mismatches in transition. If he can rewire his offensive instincts and fully commit to defense, the sky’s the limit.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
