A lot of the NBA world has had something to say about Rutgers star Ace Bailey and his pre-draft strategy. Most view him as the No. 3 prospect behind Duke phenom Cooper Flagg and Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, but he has slid on most draft boards.
The Philadelphia 76ers hold the No. 3 pick in the draft on Wednesday and they were supposed to host Bailey for a workout, but the lanky star canceled it at the last minute. It was a peculiar decision by Bailey as he has not worked out for a single team in this draft process.
6-time NBA champion Robert Horry hopped on “Big Shot Bob” and gave his thoughts on Bailey’s strategy:
Even now, let’s think about what Ace Bailey is doing now. He’s just canceling all workouts. Canceling all workouts. Yeah. And then even his representative said, ‘Oh, he cannot do interviews unless he’s getting paid for them’. These young dudes, I don’t know where they’re getting this idea that they’re better than sliced bread and they’re coming in this league with these inflamed egos.
I’m not saying every guy is not mature. Cooper Flagg has maturity by himself when he plays. Dylan Harper has a maturity behind him because he’s an old soul and the way he was brought up. I don’t know Ace Bailey but you can tell from a lot of guys–They come out of college way too early. They’re not ready. So, the NBA and GMs need to take a step back and say ‘We gotta stop taking chances on these guys. Oh, we drafted on potential’.
The Sixers hold a lot of the cards and one has to wonder what they will do come draft night, but there are so many avenues they can go down. Philadelphia can select Bailey or it can take Baylor star VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers could also trade down in an effort to create more flexibility as well as acquire more assets for the future.