Ace Bailey sure has been through the ringer recently. He was the subject of a lot of controversy in the weeks leading up to the NBA Draft. The theory that most, including us, had was that Bailey would most likely be drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the third overall pick in the 2025-26 NBA Draft. However, like a true NBA star, he stirred up some interesting controversy by stating that he had meetings with several teams and even requested not to be drafted by certain teams. That led many in the NBA to question his professionalism, including, it appears, the 76ers.
The NBA Draft served up some amazing moments this year
Every single season in the NBA, we are treated to the excitement and drama of the draft. The NBA draft never seems to disappoint when it comes to drama and controversy. The number one pick was a certainty as the Mavs unbelievably got the number one pick, despite astronomical odds against them. So everybody knew that his selection by the Dallas Mavericks was as predictable as one of his three-point shots. Nearly a guarantee.
What we were shocked by was how the rest of the draft went down. Tears were flowing like a river, and the players and their families were wiping away tears of joy in most cases. As Flagg was out of the way, and Dylan Harper was pretty much guaranteed as the number two pick, the 76ers held the number three pick, and the idea was that Bailey was one of 5 targets for the team from the city of brotherly love.
Ace Bailey was not the only target for the Sixers in the draft this year
Following reports that the Sixers are going to give their trio of Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey one more season in Philly, the focus has become how they will mentor their young draft selection for the years to come. Here are the top 5 targets that the 76ers had in their sights, as well as where they eventually ended up.
- Ace Bailey, forward, Rutgers University – Bailey stirred up controversy once it became clear that the 76ers would be going in another direction, and he stated that he did not wish to be drafted by the Utah Jazz. But like the stubborn kid demanding a present, he most certainly did not get his way.
- VJ Edgecombe, guard, Baylor University – Edgecombe was closely watched by several teams in the NBA during his time in college. The 76ers emerged as favorites, and they drafted VJ as their third overall pick. To his credit, he has performed well in the Summer League currently taking place.
- Kon Knueppel, forward, Duke – Knueppel was selected by the Hornets and has basketball in his DNA, with his mom and dad playing in college and his uncle, Jeff Nordgaard, playing briefly in the NBA.
- Khaman Maluach, center, Duke – We would be remiss if we did not mention the tear-eyed South Sudan native who was selected by the Houston Rockets, but was immediately traded to the Phoenix Suns as part of the Kevin Durant deal.
How will Ace Bailey fit into the Utah Jazz’s plans for the future?
The draft was the perfect showcase for the NBA to give the world a taste of the young players from all over the world entering the NBA. Some carry as many expectations as the NBA stars they aim to emulate. The 76ers look to have made the right decision as VJ Edgecombe has been a star in the Summer League so far, while Ace Bailey has impressed; there are still questions around his commitment. Can he prove himself to be a consummate professional and give the Jazz the lift they have so desperately needed?
