Airious “Ace” Bailey

Draft Notes

Ace Bailey is a big time wing prospect with ideal size, length and tools. He’s a long, wiry and explosive athlete who easily passes the eye test. He’s super smooth for a 6-8 or 6-9 player and just looks like a NBA wing with how he moves and operates on the court.

Has a great feel for scoring the ball and is a capable 3pt shooter with good touch on his jumper. He takes and makes a lot of tough shots, which is impressive, but he’ll have to refine his shot selection and stop settling for tough, contested jumpers.

He’s at his best slashing to the basket and using his size and athleticism to make plays in the lane but too often settles of the outside shot.

Is a great above the rim player and very dangerous in transition. He’s not a player defenders want to jump with – he’ll put them on a poster.

Is a solid weak side shot blocker and team defender. Can lock in and guard smaller wings/guards but needs to play with more consistent intensity on that end of the court. When he turns up the defensive intensity he’s really touch to beat.

Isn’t a great decision-maker on the court and doesn’t seem like the most mature young man. He’s a good kid but has some growing up to do.

Comparisons

• TMac
• Josh Smith

Draft Projection

top 6 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft

2025 SF Rankings

1. Airious Bailey – 6-10 – Rutgers
2. Kon Knueppel – 6-6 – Duke
3. Carter Bryant – 6-8 – Arizona
4. Cedric Coward – 6-6 – Washington State
5. Liam McNeeley – 6-7 – UConn
6. Nique Clifford – 6-6 – Colorado State
7. Adou Thiero – 6-8 – Arkansas
8. Drake Powell – 6-7 – North Carolina
9. Alex Toohey – 6-8 – Australia
10. Koby Brea – 6-7 – Kentucky
11. RJ Luis – 6-7 – St. John’s
12. Jamir Watkins – 6-7 – Florida State
13. Payton Sandfort – 6-7 – Iowa
14. Arthur Kaluma – 6-7 – Texas
15. Saliou Niang – 6-5 – Italy (Senegal)
16. Saint Thomas – 6-7 – USC
17. Kobe Johnson – 6-6 – UCLA
18. Cam’Ron Fletcher – 6-7 – Florida State