Top 2025 NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey has created unprecedented drama by canceling his scheduled workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, a team many are expecting to select him. The former Rutgers star has become the only U.S.-based player in the draft class to avoid team visits entirely.
Draft expert Adam Finkelstein interpreted Bailey’s moves on CBS Sports HQ, suggesting the controversial strategy targets a specific landing spot. Bailey’s agent, Omar Cooper, appears determined to keep his client on the East Coast.
Why Did Ace Bailey Skip the Philadelphia 76ers’ Workout?
Analyst Adam Finkelstein discussed Rutgers NBA Draft prospect Ace Bailey’s approach in a recent CBS Sports HQ appearance, noting the calculated nature of these decisions.
The broadcast’s social media post gained significant attention as analysts tried to decipher Bailey’s unprecedented pre-draft strategy.
From yesterday on @CBSSportsHQ – my interpretation of what we’re seeing from Ace Bailey and his representation. pic.twitter.com/39lNkuD7F1
— Adam Finkelstein (@AdamFinkelstein) June 20, 2025
“I think this is about Ace Bailey and his representation led by Omar Cooper, who’s actually his former AAU coach. I think they’re really just trying to dictate the terms of where they want to end up,” Finkelstein explained during the broadcast.
The analyst revealed that Bailey’s camp had been selective even before the lottery results were finalized. Teams across the league were already aware of Bailey’s preferences regarding potential destinations.
“Remember coming into lottery night when different teams were expected to be at the top of this list, they were already having dialogue with some teams. So it was pretty well known that he didn’t think Charlotte was a great fit, [he] wasn’t all that interested in ending up in Utah,” Finkelstein noted.
Wizards Could Be Potential Landing Spot for Bailey
Finkelstein’s analysis suggests Bailey’s refusal to work out for Philadelphia indicates a deeper strategy targeting the Washington Wizards at sixth overall. This move surprised many, given Philadelphia’s third overall pick represents the highest possible selection.
“I was surprised that he didn’t want to work out for Philadelphia because that is with Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper expected to go one and two, the highest possible outcome. This makes me think that Washington at number six may be the place that he and his representation are trying to make sure he ends up at,” the draft expert stated.
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The strategy carries significant financial implications, as Bailey would earn 62% more in his rookie season if selected third overall versus sixth or lower. However, his unconventional approach has caused some mock drafts to project him sliding from consensus third-pick territory.
Bailey’s camp appears confident that teams like the Wizards, Brooklyn Nets, or New Orleans Pelicans would trade up to secure his services. His representatives view him as a top-three talent deserving of a guaranteed opportunity rather than an audition-based selection process.
“The question is whether or not Daryl Morey, Philadelphia, and then, of course, Charlotte and Utah, will cooperate and let him pass even though he opted not to work out for them. A lot to be decided,” Finkelstein concluded.
With the draft approaching on Wednesday, Bailey’s unprecedented gamble could either secure his preferred East Coast destination or cost him millions in guaranteed money. The basketball world watches as this strategic risk unfolds.
