The 2025 NBA Draft is inching closer, and the Philadelphia 76ers are staring down a golden opportunity—and a tough decision. Sitting comfortably with the No. 3 overall pick in hand, the Sixers front office has been putting in the hours, grinding film, and crunching numbers. While nothing’s official yet, it’s hard to ignore the growing buzz around one name: Ace Bailey, the electrifying forward out of Rutgers University.
But is Bailey the guy? Or should the Sixers be keeping their eyes peeled for someone else in this surprisingly wide-open draft?
Let’s break it down.
🔥 Meet Ace Bailey: The Rising Star from Rutgers
At 6'10" with a wingspan that seems to stretch into next week, Ace Bailey isn’t just another college standout. He’s a big wing with tantalizing upside. Long, athletic, and smooth with the ball, Bailey’s been turning heads since day one with the Scarlet Knights.
Last season, he posted an impressive stat line:
👉 17.6 points,
👉 7.2 rebounds,
👉 1.3 assists per game.
That’s not just filler. That’s foundational stuff for a young player who’s still evolving—and evolving fast.
Sure, he’s drawn comparisons to Kevin Durant. That’s lofty company, no doubt. But let’s pump the brakes a bit. While Bailey has the frame and the fluidity, he doesn’t yet have KD’s killer efficiency on offense. Still, for a guy this young, it’s less about being a finished product and more about what kind of player you can mold him into.
📈 What Makes Bailey Special?
When you watch Bailey play, the first thing that jumps off the screen is how effortless it all looks. His jumper is clean. His movement is graceful. His instincts—especially on the defensive end—are way ahead of schedule.
He’s not just athletic, he’s smart. That’s a rare combo. He’s got that “intangibles” package every NBA GM salivates over. And he’s got it in spades.
Even if his offensive toolkit isn’t fully fleshed out yet, he can get buckets. But it’s his potential as a two-way player that makes him so intriguing—especially for a team like the Sixers that’s looking to solidify its identity in the Eastern Conference.
🛡️ Defense First: What Bailey Can Bring on Day One
Let’s be real—Philadelphia doesn’t need a 25-point scorer out of the gate. They need someone who can come in, get stops, and buy into the system. And that’s exactly where Bailey fits.
Scouts across the board agree: he’s NBA-ready on defense. He’s got the length to guard multiple positions, and he’s not afraid to dig in and make life miserable for his matchup. If the Sixers pull the trigger and bring him to Philly, expect him to take on tough defensive assignments early.
You know what else that means? Minutes. Real, meaningful minutes. In a rookie season. That’s no small thing.
📊 The Draft Landscape: Who Else Is in the Mix?
CBS Sports recently dropped a mock draft with Bailey heading to the Sixers at No. 3—and honestly, that’s starting to feel like the consensus pick. But let’s not pretend Philly is locked in just yet.
Other names floating around the rumor mill include:
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VJ Edgecombe – Explosive guard with serious upside
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Tre Johnson – A smooth scorer with a polished offensive game
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Kon Knueppel – A high-IQ wing who’s lights-out from deep
All of them are worthy of top-10 consideration. But here’s the kicker: most evaluators believe the talent tier takes a drop after Ace Bailey. That means if the Sixers want a player who could realistically develop into a franchise piece, Bailey might be their last, best shot.
Of course, his draft profile comes with a few question marks. He’s still raw in some areas, and there's a bit more risk attached to him than some of the more “safe” picks. But sometimes? Risk is just another word for opportunity.
🎯 What the Sixers Need — and Why Bailey Fits the Bill
Let’s talk big picture. Joel Embiid isn’t getting any younger. The Sixers are firmly in “win now” mode, but they also know it’s crucial to plant seeds for the future. That’s the balancing act.
So, what are they missing?
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A long, athletic wing who can defend and stretch the floor
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A player with superstar upside, even if it’s two or three years down the road
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Someone who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to impact the game
Check, check, and check.
Bailey might not set the league on fire in year one. But give him time, coaching, and a defined role, and this kid could grow into something special. A two-way forward with size, athleticism, and swagger? That’s the dream archetype for modern NBA success.
🧠 Ace's Mentality: Ready to Work
All the tools in the world don’t matter if the player isn’t mentally locked in. But by all accounts, Bailey is wired right. Coaches rave about his attitude. Teammates love playing with him. And he’s got that rare mix of confidence and humility that coaches at the next level love to see.
He wants to get better. He knows he’s got work to do. That alone separates him from a lot of his peers.
💥 Final Thoughts: Is Ace Bailey the Next Philly Star?
It’s way too early to say how Bailey’s career will pan out. The draft is a gamble, always has been. But with the No. 3 pick in their pocket, the Sixers are in a position to take a swing—and Ace Bailey might just be the home run they’ve been waiting for.
If he lands in Philly, expect the fanbase to be split at first. Some will want a more polished scorer, others might worry about his inexperience. But make no mistake: Bailey brings energy, upside, and that elusive "it factor" that teams dream about.
So, Sixers fans—get ready. The draft is coming. And Ace Bailey just might be the next name to light up the Wells Fargo Center.
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