ESPN Mocks Sixers Selecting Ace Bailey 3rd in 2025 NBA Draft

The Sixers just ended a miserable season, but now can look to add depth to their roster via the 2025 NBA Draft, and ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo mocked that out with Philadelphia selecting Rutgers wing Airious "Ace" Bailey with the 3rd overall pick.

ESPN NBA Mock Draft – Sixers pick

Wings with Bailey's combination of size, physical skill and shooting prowess are rare. That coveted archetype has kept his stock largely steady despite his inconsistencies as a decision-maker, ball handler and defender. Some teams are concerned with the risk attached in those areas, but his scoring talent has tantalizing appeal for front offices in search of star power.

The 6-foot-10 Bailey averaged 17.6 points per game to go along with 7.2 rebounds in one season at Rutgers. He was the highest-ranked recruit in Rutgers basketball history and will now be one of two Rutgers players taken in the lottery of the 2025 NBA Draft.

With the Sixers being in win-now mode, there are scenarios for them to trade the pick to build a more complete roster around their trio of stars, Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey.

While Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey has been pretty steadfast on keeping Embiid, George, Maxey, and the No. 3 pick, there is still a possibility the Sixers could look to move on from this year’s pick.

The Sixers have drafted third overall on four occasions with a mixed bag of results. The team landed one of the team's current cornerstones, Joel Embiid, in 2014, Jahlil Okafor in 2015, Jerry Stackhouse in 1995, and Charles Smith in 1988, who was traded to the Clippers for Hershey Hawkins and a first-round pick. 

Given the Sixers’ lack of youth and athleticism last season, Bailey could have a big role right away with the team if he, in fact, is the pick.

With Duke's Cooper Flagg the likely No. 1 overall pick and Bailey's teammate at Rutgers, Dylan Harper, in most mock drafts at No. 2, there are some other options with pick No. 3 for the Sixers.

Top Alternatives for the Sixers at No. 3

• Baylor's Big 12 Freshman of the Year, V.J. Edgecombe
• Oklahoma freshman, Jeremiah Fears
• Texas freshman Tre Johnson 
• Duke freshman Kon Knueppel
• Maryland freshman, Derik Queen

Which player would you take with the No. 3 overall pick?  Let us know in the comments!