NBA Exec Praises Ace Bailey: 'Might Have the Highest Ceiling' in 2025 Draft Class
Duke forward Cooper Flagg may largely be considered the top prospect in this year's draft, but there's been plenty of praise for others in the expected 2025 draft class, including Rutgers freshman forward Ace Bailey, who one Eastern Conference executive believes "might have the highest ceiling in the draft," per ESPN's Jeremy Woo.
"I know [he's] inconsistent and there are question marks with the playmaking -- the shotmaking and creation could be elite," the executive told Woo. "He checks those boxes if he hits the level he could be capable of."
The 6'10" Bailey has fared quite well at Rutgers, averaging 18.0 points on 46.3 percent shooting (35.4 percent from three), 7.1 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game. He's enjoyed some incredible games this year, notably scoring 39 against Indiana and 37 versus Northwestern.
The latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman has Bailey going third overall, behind Flagg at No. 1 and Rutgers' Dylan Harper at No. 2.
"But he's also 6'10" with special shooting skills and floater touch, neither of which require fancy pre-shot moves, given his release point and comfort level using off-ball movement for getting good looks," Wasserman wrote in part.
"While there may be questions about how his flaws affect his trajectory, or how much they'll improve, even a worst-case outcome for Bailey looks appealing. Every team in the lottery will be excited by the idea of adding a big-wing shotmaker with his defensive tools."
In other drafts, Bailey could certainly be considered the future No. 1 pick with the highest ceiling. He just so happens to be in a draft class with fellow potential superstars in Flagg and Harper. But he's excellent in his own right with a bright future ahead.
