Ace Bailey, a highly touted Rutgers wing, has reportedly told teams drafting in the top five that he is not interested in being selected by those teams. His representatives have reportedly informed ESPN that Bailey would not report for duty if he were chosen in the top five, indicating a clear refusal to join any team that drafts him in that range.
The situation has raised questions about Bailey’s motivations and whether he is prioritizing other opportunities over an early entry into the NBA draft. While the exact details remain unclear, the message from Bailey’s team is unequivocal: he is not interested in being selected by a top-five team. This could have implications for the draft order and the teams’ strategies as they approach the draft.
As the draft approaches, teams will have to consider alternative strategies to acquire Bailey, potentially leading to trades or late-round picks. The NBA is now watching closely to see how this situation develops and how it might impact the upcoming draft process.