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2025 NBA Draft: Ace Bailey Scouting Report

Updated: Jun 3


Ace Bailey, Rutgers

Throughout the 2024-25 season, Babcock Hoops will provide comprehensive scouting reports on top 2025 NBA Draft prospects, analyzing their strengths, questions, and potential at the next level. Our reports offer an in-depth look at each player's development and draft outlook.


Ace Bailey

Position: Guard/Forward

College: Rutgers

Class: Freshman

Height/Weight: 6'8", 203 lbs

Birthdate: August 13, 2006

High School: McEachern (GA)


Player Overview


Ace Bailey is one of the most intriguing prospects for the 2025 NBA Draft, offering a rare blend of size, athleticism, and skill at 6'10" with a 7'0" wingspan. His ability to score at all three levels and defend multiple positions categorizes him as a prototypical wing prospect for today’s NBA. Bailey’s offensive repertoire includes smooth shooting mechanics, advanced footwork, and the ability to create off the dribble. His versatility shows on defense, where he effectively disrupts passing lanes and contests shots, using his length and lateral quickness.


While Bailey’s upside is tremendous, he must improve his strength, shot selection, and off-ball defensive awareness. Refining his post-up game and ability to absorb contact will help him transition more effectively to the NBA's physicality. With proper development, Bailey can become a two-way cornerstone in the league.


"A terrific athlete at 6-foot-8, Ace Bailey possesses raw talent and dynamic shot-making ability—an elite trait typically exclusive to star-level players. He certainly has the potential to become one himself." — Matt Babcock, NBA Draft Analyst

Strengths


  • Three-Level Scoring: Bailey’s ability to score efficiently from beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim makes him a versatile offensive weapon.

  • Defensive Versatility: Capable of guarding multiple positions with his combination of size, length, and lateral mobility.

  • Smooth Shooting Mechanics: His fluid jumper, combined with advanced footwork, allows him to generate quality looks in various situations.

  • Athleticism: Uses his explosive athleticism to finish strong at the rim and disrupt plays defensively.

  • Wing Initiation Ability: Showcases the ability to handle the ball and create opportunities for himself and his teammates.


Concerns


  • Physical Strength: Needs to add muscle to handle physicality at the next level and improve his ability to finish through contact.

  • Shot Selection: At times, Bailey settles for contested jumpers instead of attacking mismatches in the post or driving lanes.

  • Off-Ball Defensive Awareness: Can lose track of his assignment when not directly involved in the play.

  • Post-Up Game: While skilled on the perimeter, his post-up moves need refinement to utilize his size advantage fully.


Questions


  • How quickly can Bailey expand his offensive repertoire to avoid becoming overly reliant on athleticism and length?

  • Can he adapt his game to handle the increased physicality of NBA-level competition?

  • Will he develop the ability to absorb contact and finish strong at the rim consistently?


Bottom Line


Ace Bailey is a high-upside prospect with a rare combination of size, athleticism, and shot-making ability that’s tailor-made for today’s NBA. At 6'8", with fluid movement and a confident offensive skill set, he has the tools to become a dynamic two-way wing capable of creating his own shot, spacing the floor, and guarding multiple positions. While he still needs to add strength, tighten his shot selection, and sharpen his awareness on both ends, Bailey’s raw talent and natural feel for the game are undeniable. With continued development, he has the ceiling to grow into a franchise cornerstone and one of the most impactful players in this draft class.

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