Paul George Raises Concerns About Ace Bailey’s Decisions

Paul George has expressed doubts regarding Ace Bailey’s choices as he prepares for the NBA draft. The Philadelphia 76ers star has cautioned young prospects after reports suggested Bailey canceled a training session in Philadelphia right before Wednesday’s draft in Brooklyn.

“If I’m in Ace Bailey’s shoes,” George commented on Tuesday’s “Podcast P,” “I wouldn’t be surprised if my stock takes a hit.”

Bailey was initially considered a likely top-three pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, largely due to his blend of size, athleticism, and scoring prowess. However, his prospects seem to be diminishing during the pre-draft period.

There are rumors that a guard from Rutgers believes Bailey might be trying to skip his entire pre-draft training in an effort to focus on a specific area that could expedite his rise to stardom. It’s interesting, I mean, why would anyone forgo valuable training? But, perhaps he has a plan.

George mentioned the situation during his podcast, stating, “He canceled all his training. He isn’t working with any teams.” He added that there was significant concern regarding Bailey’s strategy, suggesting that making such demands might not be the best approach given the circumstances.

In response, Bailey, 18, defended his choices during a pre-draft media session. “I’m concentrating on basketball and improving myself both as a player and a person,” he said. “Your perspective isn’t necessarily mine; I can only manage what’s within my control.”

If Bailey does slip out of the top three, it could significantly impact his earning potential. For context, the No. 3 pick typically commands around $30 million over three years, whereas a drop to the tenth pick could lower that figure to approximately $15.5 million.

As the 8 PM draft on ESPN/ABC approaches, it’s certainly going to be an eventful evening.