Paul George is questioning Ace Bailey’s decision-making.
The 76ers star issued a cautionary message to the NBA prospect after Bailey reportedly called off a workout with Philadelphia just before Wednesday night’s draft in Brooklyn.
“If I’m Ace Bailey,” George said on his “Podcast P” released Tuesday, “I can’t get mad if my stock drops.”
Initially regarded as a leading candidate for a top-three position in the 2025 NBA Draft due to his unique blend of size, athleticism, and scoring prowess, Bailey’s ranking has declined throughout an unusual pre-draft period.
Reports suggest the one-and-done Rutgers guard had unfavorable interviews with various teams and has withdrawn from all his pre-draft workouts, potentially aiming to influence his destination towards markets that might expedite his path to stardom.
“He’s canceled all workouts,” George said. “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 whose representing him, but I don’t think they’re going about it the right way.”
Bailey, 18, defended his process at pre-draft media availability on Tuesday.
“I’m focused on basketball, just being better, myself as a person and on the court,” he said. “How you think is how you think, but I can only control what I can control.”
If Bailey does fall out of the top three, he’ll cost himself some serious cash: the pay scale for the No. 3 pick is approximately $30 million over a three-year contract, around $26 million at four continues to falling with the No. 10 pick getting in the neighborhood of $15.5 million.
It will all make for fascinating TV when the draft kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN/ABC
