Ace Bailey is officially heading to the league after just one season with Rutgers. It was widely expected that Bailey would enter the 2025 NBA draft, and he’s now made it official. He now joins Dylan Harper as a Scarlet Knight heading to the draft.
Bailey was named Third Team All-Big Ten and to the All-Freshman Team this year. He averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds while shooting 45.8% from the field. Bailey scored a total of 510 points and currently sits third all-time in program history.
Five Possible Landing Spots for Ace Bailey
“I want to thank everyone at Rutgers,” Bailey told ESPN. “The community for supporting us and traveling across the country to watch us. My teammates, coaches and support staff. The donors. The strength and conditioning coach, nutritionist, managers and also the security guards, Rob and Julio, for keeping us safe. Everyone pushed me to get better every day, to be the best version of myself. I am thankful for everything they did for me. I felt a lot of love from everyone.”
NEWS: Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, a projected top-3 pick, has declared for the 2025 NBA draft, he told ESPN.
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— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 23, 2025
With Cooper Flagg essentially locked in as the number one pick, Bailey is projected to be overall number two or three, so his destination depends on the draft lottery.
Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz is currently the favorite to secure the number one spot in the lottery, but if the lottery places them second or third, Bailey could land in Utah. The Jazz are currently the worst team in the league, and the roster needs a fresh injection of talent.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards are currently rebuilding their squad and have been stacking up young talent in recent years. They’ve added Bilal Coulibaly and Alex Sarr in the last few drafts. Bailey could be the missing piece needed for them to contend.
Philadelphia 76ers
The 76ers are not supposed to be a lottery team due to the level of talent on the roster, but here they are. They are in this position due to the lack of availability of their superstar duo, Joel Embiid and Paul George. The two are always injured, and it could be a blessing for them this year as they get the chance to secure an elite talent in Bailey.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are also a lottery team this year because the franchise’s poster boy, Zion Williamson, is often on the treatment table. Drafting Bailey means the Pelicans don’t have to rely on Zion to carry the team, and they might even consider moving him on.
KEEP READING: Projected No. 1 Pick Cooper Flagg Declares for the NBA Draft: 5 Possible Landing Spots
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have been compiling a roster of young, talented players, but they still seem to be lacking the edge to compete. Lamelo Ball and Brandon Miller are currently leading this crop and Bailey could potentially land in Charlotte too.
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