Report: Rutgers' Ace Bailey cancels visit with Sixers ahead of draft
With the 2025 NBA draft just about a week away, now is the time for teams to get down to the nitty gritty and make their final decisions on prospects as they move forward with the process. The Philadelphia 76ers are no different as they continue preparing for the No. 3 pick.
The Sixers will, for sure, meet with Duke guard Kon Knueppel. He stated on "The Bill Simmons Podcast" that he has a Zoom meeting set up with the Sixers, but not a workout. Philadelphia has welcomed Baylor's VJ Edgecombe in for a workout, and had one set with Rutgers star Ace Bailey, but that has reportedly been canceled.
Per ESPN's Jonathan Givony:
Former Rutgers star Ace Bailey has canceled a visit to the Philadelphia 76ers, sources told ESPN.
Bailey, the No. 3 prospect on ESPN's big board, was slated to fly to Philadelphia, owners of the No. 3 pick in the draft, Friday, for dinner with the team's front office and a private workout, but elected to cancel on Wednesday, sources told ESPN.
With that being said, Bailey is still an option for Philadelphia. Just because he hasn't come in for a workout doesn't mean the Sixers will not outright select him. President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has never been shy about making big moves and Bailey qualifies as one when considering the immense talent he brings to the table. Morey selected Jared McCain in the 2024 draft and he did not visit Philadelphia for a workout.
Givony added:
The Sixers have not ruled out selecting Bailey, despite his refusal to visit Philadelphia, sources told ESPN. The team has scouted him extensively throughout the season, as he plays his college basketball at nearby Rutgers in Piscataway, New Jersey, and interviewed him in Chicago at the NBA Draft Combine. The team will have final discussions on who to select in the coming week and is unlikely to move down in the draft order next Wednesday, sources said.
Bailey averaged 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in his freshman season with Rutgers.
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