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Rutgers star Ace Bailey is putting the league on notice with a power play as we near the NBA Draft.
The former Rutgers forward suddenly canceled his scheduled Friday workout with the Philadelphia 76ers, who are slated to pick No. 3 overall, according to ESPN’s Draft Express.
Bailey is now the only U.S.-based prospect to not meet with a single team, having declined invitations from multiple franchises in his projected draft range.
He’s expected to be a lottery pick and possibly a top-three selection.
Draft Express reports that the Sixers have not ruled out picking Bailey at No. 3, which is his projected draft slot according to most experts, despite this surprising development.
The Wizards (No. 6), Pelicans (No. 7), and Net (No. 8) are all expected to be aggressive in moving up for Bailey come Wednesday’s draft.
Danny Ainge and the Utah Jazz also select No. 5 overall and could be in the mix.
The Hornets pick fourth, but prospects have reportedly refused to work out for the team due to a lack of interest in playing with Lamelo Ball.
A previous report added that Bailey’s camp informed interested teams that they believe he is a top-three player, but they also “seek a clear pathway to stardom.”
The Draft Express report added that Bailey could feel comfortable going to a different team later in the draft or through a trade.
Philadelphia previously worked out Baylor freshman star VJ Edgecombe, the presumed No. 4 prospect in the NBA Draft.
Some have put on their tinfoil hats to develop theories involving this bizarre set of decision-making by Bailey and his team, and one circulating idea is that the former Scarlet Knight has already received a promise to be drafted by a team he is comfortable playing for in the future.
ABC’s Jason Dumas reported that Bailey was seeking a promise from the Sixers prior to the meeting.
Bailey’s teammate, Ron Harper, is the consensus No. 2 projected pick, while Duke Cooper Flagg is locked in as the No. 1 overall pick.
Bailey attended NBA Draft Combine and had a strong season for Rutgers, tallying 17.6 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 assists on 46 percent shooting (34.6 from 3-point range).
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