The 2025 NBA Draft class has an ace up its sleeve.
Ace Bailey is a 6-foot-8 wing who has committed to Rutgers University. His rare combination of size, scoring and athleticism, to pair with his improvements as a playmaker suggests he has superstar potential. In fact, one could argue he has the highest ceiling in the class.
Don’t get ahead of yourself, however— that one is not me.
Bailey is the kind of player you make in a video game. A two-way, three-level scorer with explosive athleticism and a nasty dunk package.
The 17-year-old attacks the rim at will, where he can finish ambidextrously, through and over defenders. He is agile and athletic enough to adjust mid-air and finish with rare touch around the rim.
Bailey is an effective creator, with a smooth, tight handle that he uses to break down defenders. He uses his strength well to maintain control of the ball on the drive. He projects as a plus playmaker, despite some issues with his passing efficiency. With these skills in his bag, it isn’t ridiculous to assume that he could play one through four on offense.
On the other side of the ball, Bailey is a strong inside-out defender. He does well in isolation, and is fast enough laterally to stay in front of the ball handler more times than not.
He is also an elite weak-side shot blocker, doing well to contest and affect shots that would otherwise be open.
With these traits in mind, Ace Bailey could also defend one through four on defense, giving him potentially the best all-round skillset in the draft.
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