Ace Bailey Reportedly Won't Have Shedeur Sanders-Like Slide in NBA Draft amid Rumors

At the end of the college basketball season, Ace Bailey appeared to be a lock to be a top-three pick in this year's NBA draft, but he's reportedly slid down draft boards in recent weeks.

His pre-draft process has reportedly "perplexed" teams as he opted not to schedule individual workouts with teams. He also cancelled a visit with the Philadelphia 76ers that was set for Friday.

While his different approach to the pre-draft process might lead to him falling further than expected, it might not be as bad as some recent draft slides. NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that Bailey likely won't have a drastic slide similar to Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders, who went in the fifth round after being projected to get drafted in the first round.

According to Fischer, one scout said Bailey won't fall past the 20th pick.

"He's not falling into the 20s like Cam Whitmore," said one longtime scout.

In 2023, Whitmore was projected to be a top-10 pick but ended up falling to No. 20. Bailey will look to avoid a similar slide.

Fischer added the Brooklyn Nets' No. 8 pick could be the one to watch for Bailey.

"Could Bailey slip all the way to the Brooklyn Nets at No. 8? Mark that down as another question NBA front offices are posing and considering as we speak," Fischer wrote.

Bailey had an outstanding freshman season, scoring 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game for the Scarlet Knights. His only real flaw was his shot selection, as he hit just 46 percent of his shots.

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman projects the Washington Wizards to take Bailey at No. 6.