Ace Bailey might fumble his way out of the top five if he’s not careful

According to DraftExpress and ESPN’s latest intel, Ace Bailey still hasn’t conducted a single pre-draft workout and has actively declined invites from multiple teams in his projected range.

Ace Bailey declining workouts ahead of the NBA Draft?

Ace Bailey’s draft stock has been falling due to his unwillingness to visit several teams and the fact that he has yet to conduct a single workout, per @DraftExpress

Bailey believes he’s a top-three player in the draft and wants to be selected by a team that will provide a… pic.twitter.com/qyhuteKr14

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 17, 2025

That’s not the best way to climb a draft board, especially when teams are looking for professionalism, preparation, and a desire to compete.

Instead, it sounds like Ace Bailey’s camp is banking on a team either trading up to grab him at No. 3 or 4 or being so sold on his star upside that they ignore the red flags.

That gamble has cost him, at least in the latest mock from ESPN, which now has VJ Edgecombe leapfrogging him to go No. 3 overall to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Edgecombe reportedly had a strong private workout in Philly and impressed not only the coaching staff, but the front office and ownership as well.

For a team looking to surround Tyrese Maxey and Paul George with energy, athleticism, and long-term upside, Edgecombe’s blend of explosiveness and defensive tenacity fits the mold and he’s got none of the baggage Bailey’s dragging around right now.

According to reports, the Sixers flew in Tyrese Maxey to meet VJ Edgecombe during pre-draft visit

Ace Bailey is scheduled to visit the Sixers this week…

Bailey is scheduled to finally work out for the Sixers at the end of this week, which feels like a last-chance audition. But even that visit might be too little, too late.

Teams are reportedly wary not just of Bailey’s decision-making in the pre-draft process, but also his maturity, feel for the game, and polish — all things that are tough to smooth over in a single visit.

I’m told Ace Bailey will visit the Sixers later this week. Source says he will meet with Sixers executives on Thursday and have a private workout with the team Friday in Camden. The draft is almost one week away. pic.twitter.com/KiqnTptWk1

— John Clark (@JClarkNBCS) June 17, 2025

Right now, the Sixers are leaning toward Edgecombe. If Charlotte takes him at No. 4 instead, and Bailey slides, keep an eye on Washington. They’re apparently exploring trade scenarios that could move them up into the top 3, potentially giving Bailey the clear runway he wants.

If you’re Ace Bailey and you’re demanding a “clear pathway to stardom,” yet you’re showing no interest in earning it the traditional way, it sends a message. Whether fair or not, that message to front offices is: you want the rewards, but not the work.

If Bailey wants to rewrite the narrative, it starts with showing up in Philly and proving he actually wants it. Otherwise, his draft-night slide might be more reality than rumor.

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