The 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be a wild ride, and one of the biggest storylines is the unexpected slide of Rutgers star Ace Bailey. Once considered a lock for a top-three pick, the 6-foot-8 forward’s draft stock has taken a hit due to a series of perplexing pre-draft decisions, sparking intense speculation about where he’ll land. Could the Chicago Bulls, sitting at the No. 12 pick, pull off a draft-night steal by snagging the ultra-talented prospect? League insiders are buzzing, and the Windy City might just be the perfect landing spot for Bailey to prove his doubters wrong.
A Can’t-Miss Prospect with a Sudden Slide
Ace Bailey entered the 2025 draft conversation as a can’t-miss talent. His freshman season at Rutgers showcased his elite scoring ability, averaging 17.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while displaying a versatile skill set. With a 7-foot wingspan, explosive athleticism, and a knack for stretching defenses (he had five January games with at least four made 3-pointers), Bailey was heralded as a future star. His ability to score from all three levels, combined with defensive tools (1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per game), made him a projected top pick alongside teammate Dylan Harper.
However, Bailey’s pre-draft process has raised eyebrows. Reports indicate he declined workouts with several teams in his projected draft range, a decision that has left some NBA executives questioning his approach. Additionally, his combine interviews were described as “unpolished,” with some front offices noting concerns about his feel for the game and shot selection. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that Bailey’s refusal to visit teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, who hold the No. 3 pick, stemmed from dissatisfaction with their development plans, though he has since scheduled a workout with them. These moves have led to a slide, with some mocks projecting him as low as No. 6 or even outside the top five.
Why the Bulls Could Be the Perfect Fit
For the Chicago Bulls, who hold the No. 12 pick after a disappointing season, Bailey’s potential slide is a golden opportunity. The Bulls are in the midst of a rebuild, with young talents like Josh Giddey, Coby White, and 2024 draft pick Matas Buzelis forming a promising core. Adding Bailey, a high-ceiling wing with star potential, could accelerate their timeline and address their need for a dynamic forward.
According to The Athletic’s Zach Harper, Bailey’s slide might be due to a surprising combine measurement—listed at 6-foot-7½ without shoes, shorter than the 6-foot-10 many expected. This, combined with concerns about his ball-handling and assist-to-turnover ratio, has caused some teams to hesitate. However, Harper notes that if Bailey falls to No. 12, the Bulls would be in a “can’t-lose” situation, landing a player with top-three talent at a bargain. Posts on X also suggest the Bulls are exploring trade-up scenarios to secure Bailey if he slips past the No. 3 pick, indicating strong interest from Chicago’s front office.
Bailey’s fit with the Bulls is tantalizing. His scoring prowess would complement Giddey’s playmaking and White’s explosive guard play. Paired with Buzelis, a 6-foot-10 forward with defensive versatility, Bailey could form a formidable wing duo, capable of switching on defense and stretching the floor offensively. The Bulls’ low-pressure environment would allow Bailey to develop without the immediate expectation of carrying a franchise, giving him time to refine his raw skills.
What’s Causing the Slide?
Bailey’s draft slide is less about his on-court performance and more about perception. His decision to skip workouts with teams in the mid-to-late lottery range has been called “perplexing” by analysts, with some comparing it to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders’ draft slide in the NFL. While Bailey’s talent is undeniable, his pre-draft strategy has created doubts about his maturity and willingness to engage with teams. One NBA general manager likened his combine interviews to Anthony Edwards’ in 2020, noting that while Bailey’s candor and personality won over some executives, others found him less prepared than peers like Dylan Harper or Cooper Flagg.
Additionally, Rutgers’ 15-17 record last season, despite featuring both Bailey and Harper, has raised questions about their ability to translate talent into wins. Critics point to Bailey’s reliance on tough shots and a 69.2% free-throw percentage as areas of concern, though his age (18) and raw potential suggest these are fixable flaws.
The Bulls’ Chance to Strike Gold
If Bailey does fall to No. 12, the Bulls could land one of the draft’s most talented players at a fraction of his expected draft slot. His combination of size, shot-making, and defensive upside makes him a high-risk, high-reward prospect—exactly the type of swing Chicago needs to rebuild its roster into a contender. Alternatively, if the Bulls believe Bailey could slip but not reach No. 12, trading up to a higher pick (potentially with the 76ers or Hornets) could be a bold move to secure him.
The buzz around Bailey’s slide is palpable, with X posts highlighting the growing chatter about his draft stock. Some fans and analysts argue that his camp’s strategy is misguided, with one user noting that his agent’s lack of NBA experience might be a factor. Others see it as an opportunity for teams like the Bulls to capitalize on a rare draft-night gift.
Looking Ahead
As the June 25, 2025, NBA Draft approaches, all eyes will be on Ace Bailey. Will he salvage his draft stock with strong workouts in the final week, or will his slide continue, potentially landing him in Chicago? For Bulls fans, the prospect of adding a player with Bailey’s upside is thrilling. If he can harness his elite scoring and develop his playmaking, he could become a cornerstone for a franchise desperate to return to relevance.
The draft is unpredictable, and Bailey’s journey is proof of that. Whether he goes No. 3 to Philadelphia, No. 5 to Utah, or slides all the way to Chicago at No. 12, one thing is certain: Ace Bailey’s story is far from over, and the Bulls might just be the team to help him write the next chapter.