Highly touted prospect Ace Bailey, widely considered the consensus No. 3 in this year’s draft class, canceled his scheduled pre-draft workout with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night, according to ESPN. The decision has only intensified speculation that he may slide in the draft.
Talk of a potential fall began when ESPN’s most recent mock draft projected Bailey slipping from No. 3 to No. 6—slotting him with the Washington Wizards. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony noted that Bailey has declined to work out for multiple teams in the top range, based on his firm belief that he’s a top-three talent in the class.
Bailey is now the only U.S.-born player in the 2025 NBA Draft who has not completed a single pre-draft workout. Much of this approach is believed to be the work of his agent, Omar Cooper.
Cooper, notably, is also the father of former Auburn guard Sharife Cooper, who turned pro after playing just 12 college games. Despite a promising freshman year, Sharife never broke into the NBA and is now playing overseas.
Bailey’s camp has reportedly made it clear that they want him in a situation that allows him to develop into a star. For that to happen, they believe he needs significant minutes and a key role as a rookie—something he likely wouldn’t get with a contender like the 76ers. That could explain the cancelled workout in Philadelphia.
This leaves teams like Charlotte (No. 4), Utah (No. 5), and Washington (No. 6) as viable options—franchises that might give the Rutgers forward a real opportunity to shine immediately.
Does that mean Bailey is open to joining those teams? Not quite. As noted, he’s turned down workouts with several clubs in the 3–6 range, suggesting a more selective strategy.
Although unconventional, Bailey’s team seems determined to avoid placing him in a win-now environment where rookie development can suffer. The recent history backs up that approach. Golden State, for example, drafted James Wiseman second overall and later Jonathon Kuminga at No. 7. While the Warriors picked up a title during that span, both players saw their progress stall due to limited playing time.
Last year, Houston chose Reed Sheppard at No. 3. The former Kentucky standout averaged only 12 minutes per game and split his rookie season between the G League and the NBA.
Bailey’s circle appears intent on steering him away from a similar fate. If early opportunity and playing time are the priorities, Washington seems to be the ideal landing spot.
Top Rookie Minutes Per Game (Last Season):
1. Bub Carrington – 30.0 MPG (Wizards)
2. Alex Sarr – 27.1 MPG (Wizards)
3. Yves Missi – 26.8 MPG (Pelicans)
4. Stephon Castle – 26.7 MPG (Spurs)
5. Kyshawn George – 26.5 MPG (Wizards)
For a player like Bailey, the Wizards present a realistic chance at logging starter-level minutes. With Kyle Kuzma being dealt at last season’s trade deadline, there’s a clear vacancy at forward—one Bailey could occupy immediately.
While there are certainly some question marks surrounding Bailey, his size (6’8″) and length (7-foot wingspan), combined with high offensive potential, make him a compelling option. Should he slide to No. 6, Washington may have a big decision to make—capitalize on the opportunity or pass due to the surrounding concerns.
