NBA executive sends depressing message on Rutgers’ Ace Bailey as potential draft slip looms

Ace Bailey is potentially sabotaging his NBA career before it even begins.

The Rutgers Scarlet Knights basketball product canceled his visit with the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday, according to ESPN. Bailey is the only domestic prospect not to meet with any team, a bizarre decision from a player whose draft position is far from guaranteed.

The 18-year-old had a rollercoaster campaign with the Scarlet Knights, proving he can make tough shots but not much else at the collegiate level. Bailey's off-putting approach and shaky tape have sparked rumors of potential slide-down draft boards.

One league higher up is skeptical of his transition and delivered a shocking assessment.

The Athletic's David Aldridge polled anonymous coaches, executives, and scouts to get an unfiltered analysis of some popular names in the upcoming class, with one individual not holding back when talking about Bailey.

"Is he a talented kid? Yes," a Western Conference executive said. "But he better get to the right environment. If he gets in a dysfunctional situation, he could be out of the league in five years.

Bailey's primary concern is his frame.

His arms are concerningly thin, which is why he struggles to get by defenders and has to rely on nailing contested jumpers to get his points.

He has the body type and raw skillset of many modern score-first wings, but he needs to go to a team willing to help him put on serious muscle and help create separation off the dribble.

Bailey has plenty of desirable tools, but could easily end up like Cam Reddish or Jarrett Culver if he doesn't put the work in.