"Terribly advised." "Disgraceful attitude." "Overhyped." These are just a few terms used when the now Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey was under consideration for the Philadelphia 76ers' third overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft. In recent weeks, the energetic forward has silenced his heaviest critics to prove that he belongs at the highest level of basketball -- and he is not ready to stop there.
Hindsight is a glorious thing. The fact of the matter is, Ace Bailey was given inexcusable advice to skip visits and workouts with NBA franchises. Even though Bailey's talent was obvious to anyone who spectated his performances with Rutgers during the 2024-25 season, front offices take attitude into account. This resulted in his draft stock quickly plummeting, and the criticism escalated not only among Philadelphia fans but also among fans around the league.
Emotions did trump reason with this criticism. This player showed throughout his college days that he was capable of stepping up to the NBA. Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2.3 stocks per game during his single year in the NCAA. These statistics were supplemented by explosive two-way displays that riled up the Rutgers crowd, creating a contagious atmosphere around the Jersey's Mike Arena -- the home of the Scarlet Knights.
Philadelphia's general manager, Daryl Morey, stated to reporters after the draft process, "They [Bailey's camp] were doing what they thought was best for them [missing workouts], we were doing what's best for us, and it had no impact on the decision."
It is hard to believe that an attitude of this sort would not be taken into consideration by a front office; however, the Jazz rookie has left this drama in the rear-view mirror and is finally silencing his loudest critics.
Ace Bailey is proving doubters wrong
Undoubtedly, the Philadelphia 76ers' decision to select the sensational VJ Edgecombe can only be considered a success. Nevertheless, the condemnation of Ace Bailey after his draft debacle was widely off the mark. Although after a slow start in Utah, the 19-year-old is beginning to showcase his true potential.
Despite the Jazz becoming the innovators of modern-day tanking by withdrawing their star players in the final quarters of games they are moments away from winning, Bailey has found his rhythm on both ends of the floor. In January, the rookie has recorded 13.7 points, six rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
Additionally, since the turn of the year, Bailey has recorded 15+ points on 10 occasions, while equalling a career-high 25 points in Utah's 126-109 defeat to the high-flying San Antonio Spurs on January 23. Utah fans are now seeing his brilliant self-creation ability, venomous on-ball movements, and exceptional finishing around the rim -- which many had started to believe would not transfer from the NCAA to the NBA.
Again, Bailey's talent should never have been questioned by analysts and fans alike. On the other hand, his reluctant attitude was an area to be correctly highlighted and debated. His recent performances should put this discussion to bed.
ESPN insider Brian Windhorst explained to the Hoop Collective, Utah Jazz 'folk' stated to him, "They were raving about Ace Bailey. Up and down. They love his make-up. They raved about his basketball intelligence."
Whatever the Philadelphia 76ers and their fan base thought they knew about Ace Bailey was clearly incorrect. The Utah Jazz rookie may have taken some time to heat up, but now he is firing on all cylinders. Yes, VJ Edgecombe has proven the Sixers made the correct decision. However, any doubts around Bailey's future in the NBA can now be laid to rest -- for the time being.