Rutgers’ Ace Bailey, widely regarded as the No. 3 overall prospect for the 2025 NBA Draft, has sparked considerable speculation by reportedly canceling a planned visit and private workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, the team expected to hold the pick. This decision is particularly unusual as it comes just one week before the draft, and, even more remarkably, Bailey has not met with a single NBA team, making him the only U.S.-based prospect to decline invitations from numerous top-10 draft board teams outside of the NBA Draft Combine.

Initially, Bailey was slated to fly to Philadelphia for dinner with the 76ers' front office and participate in a private workout, a standard practice for NBA Draft prospects to familiarize themselves with potential teams. However, his camp has been consistently declining such invitations, leaving many observers and teams puzzled about his strategy. Despite this unprecedented approach, the 76ers have not ruled out selecting Bailey. ESPN noted that Daryl Morey, the Sixers' president of basketball operations, has a precedent of drafting players like Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain without prior private workouts, suggesting a similar path could be taken with Bailey.

During his tenure with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, Ace Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 33 minutes per game, even though the team’s overall performance was considered lackluster compared to preseason expectations. Bailey’s representatives have communicated to teams their belief that he is a definite top-three selection in this draft, emphasizing their desire for him to join a team where he can secure immediate playing time. Currently, only Duke’s Cooper Flagg, the projected first overall pick for the Dallas Mavericks, and Rutgers teammate Dylan Harper, who is the consensus No. 2 pick for the San Antonio Spurs, are ranked higher than Bailey in most mock drafts and prospect evaluations.

The unusual absence of pre-draft meetings creates a significant air of mystery and speculation around Bailey. While a team could potentially move up the draft board to secure him if they believe he can deliver an immediate impact, his actions less than a week before the NBA Draft, set to commence at Barclays Center on June 25, continue to be a major talking point. This unique situation adds an intriguing layer to the draft narrative, leaving many to wonder about the ultimate destination and immediate future of the highly-touted prospect.