Is NBA prospect Ace Bailey rubbing people the wrong way? That’s what one insider is saying ahead of next week’s NBA Draft.
The 18-year-old Rutgers product is puzzling those within the NBA as he has yet to have an individual workout or meet with teams prior to the draft. He was supposed to meet with the Philadelphia 76ers — who own the No. 3 pick — on Friday but canceled.
Bailey was once considered a top three prospect but has dropped in mock drafts. The forward averaged 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game but comes with questions as an unfinished project who has trouble getting to the rim and separating from defenders due to his ballhandling.
Now, a new report from college basketball analyst Jeff Goodman is shedding light on how Bailey is being viewed around the league.
“It just seems as though Ace Bailey has received some poor advice over the past year,” noted Goodman. “Has rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.”
Ace Bailey reportedly has Omar Cooper, the father of Sharife Cooper, representing him as his agent, per @GoodmanHoops
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 19, 2025
Cooper reportedly wanted to be paid for doing on-camera interviews.
“It just seems as though Ace Bailey has received some poor advice over the past year. Has… pic.twitter.com/nwgZEHkmuf
According to Goodman, Bailey is being represented by Omar Cooper, the father of former Auburn point guard Sharife Cooper. The arrangement has raised eyebrows, particularly after previous reports that the younger Cooper wanted to be paid for on-camera interviews.
Despite the concerns, Bailey will likely remain in the top six selections, though his pre-draft approach has left much to be desired.
More About:NBA