Following Potential 2025 Draftees

[seattlejazzfan]

Ace will continue to be a top-4 prospect because he has the potential to be nearly unguardable. He can shoot over the top of defenders off the dribble and make tough shots. That skill alone makes him a top prospect.

In the NBA, he'll get more space and repetition from spots on the floor where he's comfortable. He'll also get more open lanes to drive the ball.

if you draft him, that's the sell. no question.

 

[HadAnEffectHere]

Slightly worse Jabari Smith Jr seems like a realistic outcome for Ace.

Good but not great shooter, good but not elite defender ( probably worse than Jabari here), fine at rebounding, horrific passer and shot creator.

 

[NUMBERICA]

Hot take: I’d rather kick the tires on trading a less-valuable pick for Cam Whitmore - who the Rockets don’t seem to care too much for - than burn the most precious pick we’ve probably ever had on Ace.

 

[seattlejazzfan]

Slightly worse Jabari Smith Jr seems like a realistic outcome for Ace.

Good but not great shooter, good but not elite defender ( probably worse than Jabari here), fine at rebounding, horrific passer and shot creator.

unfortunately jabari is looking like a fairly realistic mid-outcome.

 

[Ferguson_Mellochill]

Add’l comp for Ace Bailey: Trey Murphy-plus, 30+ y.o. Paul George, maybe Brandon Miller.

He’s unlikely to be your #1, on-ball scoring option, but he should space the floor, score off of cuts and drill open shots.

He has a high center of gravity and tight hips that affect his ability to drive. I think this is what’s holding back his on-ball creation more than, say, his handle or his willingness to pass. Coaches will need to put him in positions to use his strengths, but he should flourish when they do.

Tre Johnson is a more fluid and versatile scorer overall, imo. But Ace will add defensive length, rebounds and some scoring scenarios that are difficult to counter.

 

[HadAnEffectHere]

Ace is also a rough fit if you believe in Lauri, Taylor, or Walker much at all because those three guys are horrible at passing and dribbling and you're adding yet another big man who can't pass or dribble.

 

[KqWIN]

But is he a Hardy type of prospect?

I honestly can't even describe what a Hardy prospect is like, and if I could I might want to avoid that type of player.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

Hot take: I’d rather kick the tires on trading a less-valuable pick for Cam Whitmore - who the Rockets don’t seem to care too much for - than burn the most precious pick we’ve probably ever had on Ace.

Nahhh, Cam is a legit blackhole. Ace has potential to be a decent passer and a lot of potential to be a very good defender.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

I honestly can't even describe what a Hardy prospect is like, and if I could I might want to avoid that type of player.

Svi and Samanic but 19 years old.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

How about 6-10 Jordan Clarkson as the comp for Ace. I mean it in a nice way lol.

 

[Handlogten's Heros]

Nahhh, Cam is a legit blackhole. Ace has potential to be a decent passer and a lot of potential to be a very good defender.

I think Cam's attitude/approach may be the biggest issue there for the Jazz. TJ had some strong quotes he deleted about him... makes me think its a no fly zone for the Jazz and has nothing to do with his game.

 

[Saint Cy of JFC]

I definitely get having questions on Ace, as I do as well, but his shot making is legitimately special and not just a GG Jackson/Cam Whitmore level prospect.

And he can do stuff like this:



For me a big thing on him would just be how he interviews/his mindset. If he can develop his body and he works hard, he can be extremely good.