With the NBA draft just six days away, reports around Ace Bailey are only getting more chaotic. I’ve made it clear that I believe trading up for a top-three pick to select Bailey would be a mistake, but now, it’s looking like the Pelicans might not have to trade up that far.
According to ESPN sources: "Should the 76ers, at No. 3, and Charlotte at No. 4, elect not to draft him, Bailey's camp has expressed the belief that teams such as the Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, or Brooklyn Nets, picking No. 6, 7 and 8, will be aggressive looking to move up in the draft and select him."
This report came out after Bailey elected to cancel his dinner and private workout with the Philadelphia 76ers scheduled for Friday. Bailey's cancellation was a shock, as most of the NBA draft world had the 76ers mocked to draft Bailey at pick No. 3 since the draft lottery results came out.
Bailey's stock is in flux. Once seen as a lock for a top-three pick, teams now have a growing list of questions. He's known as someone who forces tough shots. Outside of scoring, he doesn't offer much offensively and reportedly expects a high volume of shots and minutes. These things have led teams to question Bailey as a prospect.
Bailey's unwillingness to work out for any team has sparked speculation that he may have a promise from a team outside the top three. A team that has been brought up a lot is the Pelicans because of reports from many notable journalists, including Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, who made it clear he's heard the Pelicans, and especially Joe Dumars, really like Ace.
This is an opportunity for the Pelicans to capitalize
The difference in value from trading from No. 7 to No. 5 would be significantly lower than trying to jump up from No. 7 to No. 3. This means New Orleans could maintain a ton of its assets while still getting their guy.
Make no mistake—despite Ace's question marks, his scoring ability is undeniable at 6'9". He's a true self-creator and an absolute flamethrower from beyond the arc with superstar upside. This could be a way for New Orleans to secure someone who can do similar things to Brandon Ingram but has more potential, is younger, and doesn't have an injury history.
Securing a top talent in the draft is always a game-changer, and the prospect of New Orleans potentially landing Bailey at No. 5 or later is very intriguing. Prior to college, during the college season, and throughout the pre-draft process, he has been looked at as a lock for the top three of this year's draft. If Bailey is to hit his potential it could be a franchise-altering move.
This pick could significantly shape the team's future. Bringing in Bailey would fill a need on the wing and give them not only the type of shooting they need but also the scoring they've missed since Ingram departed.
Walking out of draft night with Bailey would put both the Pelicans and Ace in an incredible position. It would allow him to grow with a core of Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy, Dejounte Murray, and Yves Missi that could take New Orleans basketball to levels it has never reached before.