Ace Bailey cancels meeting with Sixers ahead of 2025 NBA Draft

Rutgers forward Ace Bailey continues to surprise with his pre-draft strategy. According to ESPN, the American prospect canceled his scheduled meeting with the Philadelphia Sixers, holders of the 3rd pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which will take place on June 25 at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center.

Bailey was supposed to visit Philadelphia on Friday for dinner with the franchise’s management and a private workout, but decided to cancel two days before. This decision is particularly puzzling as the 19-year-old player is ranked 3rd in ESPN‘s top prospects list for this class.

A unique case among American prospects

Bailey’s pre-draft strategy has been confusing NBA franchises for a month. He currently remains the only U.S.-based prospect who hasn’t met with any NBA team. Before Philadelphia’s, he declined invitations from several franchises likely to select him between the 3rd and 8th positions.

In comparison, prospects Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper, projected in the top 2, have both met with the Dallas Mavericks (1st pick) and San Antonio Spurs (2nd pick). VJ Edgecombe, ranked 4th by ESPN, has worked out for the Sixers and Washington Wizards (6th pick), and is scheduled to meet with the Charlotte Hornets (4th pick).

According to sources, Bailey canceled his meeting with Philadelphia because he demanded a promise to be selected 3rd overall before even meeting with the organization. This is a particularly unusual request that raises questions about the young forward’s approach.

Sixers keeping their options open

Despite this refusal to visit, the Sixers haven’t ruled out selecting Bailey. The team has closely followed him throughout the season, with Rutgers being located in Piscataway, neighboring New Jersey. They had also met him at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago.

Moreover, Philadelphia’s president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has previously selected players without private workouts, including Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain. The team will finalize its discussions in the coming week and is not expected to trade their draft pick.

Meanwhile, Bailey’s camp maintains he’s a top 3 player in this draft but is also looking for a clear path to playing time to maximize his potential. If the Sixers and Charlotte pass, his camp believes teams like Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn (6th, 7th, and 8th picks) could be aggressive in trading up to select him.