The Philadelphia 76ers are holding the No. 3 overall pick in Wednesday night’s NBA Draft, and all eyes are on what they decide to do after Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are off the board.
One name that’s been heavily linked to that spot is Rutgers standout Ace Bailey. But a recent turn in his pre-Draft process has raised eyebrows, and not in a good way.
Bailey has reportedly canceled all team workouts ahead of the Draft, including a last-minute cancellation with the Sixers. The move has led to questions about his readiness and professionalism, and now one of Philly’s own stars is weighing in.
Sixers forward Paul George didn’t hold back when asked about Bailey skipping workouts and pulling out of team visits altogether.
“I mean, I think if I’m Ace Bailey I can’t get mad if my stock drops,” George said on the latest episode of Podcast P. “But, he’s canceled all workouts. Like he hasn’t worked out for any team. So, I think they made a big deal cause we were scheduled to work him out and he canceled the day of. But he hasn’t worked out for any team. But, you’re not in a position to be making those demands. Make it to the league first. It’s for sure the people around him. I don’t know who’s representing him, but I don’t think they’re going about it the right way.”
Bailey’s camp has yet to respond publicly, but the silence may be doing more harm than good.
With his stock reportedly slipping, the question now is whether a team still inside the top five is willing to take the risk.
