76ers ghosted by Ace Bailey ahead of NBA Draft; Morey not ruling him out

Just days before the NBA Draft, former Rutgers standout and projected top-three pick Ace Bailey has ghosted the Philadelphia 76ers.

According to reports, Bailey canceled a scheduled visit with the team that included a dinner with the front office and a private workout. No cheesesteaks, no handshake with Daryl Morey, no shooting drills in Camden. Just a big ol’ “nah, I’m good.”

Ace Bailey was widely considered the Sixers top option at No. 3 overall. Now, who knows what will happen.

76ers Still in Play Despite the Snub

Bailey’s approach to the draft process has been straight-up bizarre. He’s the only U.S.-based prospect who hasn’t visited any NBA teams. Not one. No workouts. No face time. Meanwhile, other projected top picks like Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper have made the rounds, meeting with teams holding the first and second overall picks.

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And yet, despite the cold shoulder, the 76ers haven’t closed the door. Sources say the front office has scouted Bailey extensively this season (Rutgers is basically in their backyard), and they even sat down with him at the NBA Combine in Chicago. If anyone can make a big swing without a private workout, it’s Daryl Morey — he’s done it before with guys like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain.

So yeah, Bailey may be playing hard to get, but the 76ers are still very much in the picture.

Bailey Wants the Star Treatment

What’s becoming clearer by the day is that Bailey’s camp is looking for a tailor-made situation — somewhere he can walk in, play major minutes, and be the guy from day one. That kind of ego might turn some front offices off, but let’s be honest, it’s also the mindset of a future All-Star. He wants the keys to the offense, not to sit behind Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid.

If the Sixers pass, sources say teams like the Wizards (No. 6), Pelicans (No. 7), or Nets (No. 8) are ready to move up and pounce. In fact, ESPN’s latest mock draft now has Bailey sliding to No. 6, a surprising drop after being locked into that 2–3 range for most of the year.

This is shaping up to be a classic “don’t read too much into it” situation. Yes, Ace Bailey snubbed the 76ers. Yes, he’s clearly trying to engineer his landing spot. But with the draft just around the corner, Philly is still in a prime position to pull the trigger — especially if Bailey’s upside is as real as scouts believe.

Would it be frustrating to draft a guy who didn’t even bother to show up? Sure. But if Bailey turns into the scoring wing this team has been missing since Jimmy Butler walked out the door, none of that will matter.

Stay tuned. The 76ers are on the clock — whether Bailey likes it or not.