Ace Bailey is a player that has all the offensive ability in the world. The shot creation is next-level, he can hit spot-up jumpers and he's going to be a terror in transition. He will be electric in the NBA with merely adequate surroundings.
Barring some sort of surprise, Rutgers wing Ace Bailey won’t be the first player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft. That’ll probably be Duke’s Cooper Flagg, and that isn’t anything new for Bailey. Flagg was the No. 1 player in the 2024 ESPN 100, slotting in one spot above the Scarlet Knights freshman. And realistically, there’s a shot Bailey isn’t even the first player selected from Rutgers. Teams are loving what they’re seeing from guard Dylan Harper.
As the 2025 draft becomes front of mind, you’re going to hear a lot about Bailey’s negatives. The shooting percentages are low for a player his size, the free throw shooting is nightmarish and his shot selection is abysmal. All of that is valid. And the shot selection is the biggest issue for me. He’s a big, athletic wing that can handle the rock and get to the basket.
Bailey also has an insane amount of post moves and counters. His turnaround jumper is a go-to shot for him, and he’s also capable of creating a ton of space when he goes to his step back. All in all, the footwork is excellent and the ability to make something out of nothing is absurd. As with most prospects, Bailey just needs to be put in the right situation. While he’s as good of a tough shot maker as there is in this class — and really the last few drafts — it’d be nice to see him in a system that makes things a little easier on him. With Rutgers, Bailey is surrounded by a lot of non-shooters, and he’s playing for a defensive-minded head coach. That makes for a clunky offensive experience.
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