Ace Bailey's Camp Reportedly Told Teams He's a Top-3 Pick After Declining Invites

Despite some concerns about his size coming out of the NBA Draft Combine, Ace Bailey and his representatives are reportedly confident he's going to be selected early in the 2025 NBA draft.

Per ESPN's Jonathan Givony, Bailey's camp has told interested teams "they believe he is a top-3 player in the draft" as part of their rationale for declining invites from "several teams" for a workout at this point.

Field of 68's Jeff Goodman added:

Givony noted Bailey isn't known to have had a workout with any teams thus far.

NBA insider Jake Fischer reported on June 11 that Bailey does have a private workout scheduled with the Philadelphia 76ers, who are slated to pick No. 3 overall. Givony added that workout will take place at some point this week.

The top two picks in this draft seem locked in at this point. Cooper Flagg's lone predraft workout will be on Tuesday with the Dallas Mavericks, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

Assuming Dallas takes Flagg with the No. 1 pick, the San Antonio Spurs will likely select Dylan Harper at No. 2 overall. Givony wrote the Spurs are "excited" about the possibility of adding Harper and are "willing to be patient, figuring out roster construction concerns later."

Bailey's camp seems to be taking a risk with this predraft strategy. There have already been questions about his size after he was listed at 6'10" at Rutgers.

B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote in his most recent mock draft that "some observers" were disappointed when Bailey measured in at 6'7.5" without shoes at the combine. However, Wasserman noted that his wingspan being just over seven feet "gives him a clear physical edge."

Wasserman has Bailey going to the Sixers at No. 3 in his mock, but he mentioned VJ Edgecombe as a possibility as well. Givony wrote Edgecombe is now considered the "leader in the clubhouse" for Philadelphia after a strong visit with club officials.

If the 76ers don't want Bailey at No. 3, they could always look to move down to accrue additional draft picks and still bring in a high-level young player to join their core with Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and Paul George.

Bailey was the No. 2 overall recruit behind Flagg coming out of high school in 2024. He had a solid freshman season at Rutgers, averaging 17.6 points on 46.0 percent shooting and 7.2 rebounds per game in 30 starts.

Any of the teams picking three through eight can use a player with Bailey's ceiling. That group includes the Sixers, Charlotte Hornets, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans and Brooklyn Nets.