The race to the NBA is heating up, and this year’s crop of talent is creating a perfect storm of anticipation. With college basketball back in full swing, the conversation has quickly shifted to which players will dominate this year’s draft. Among the usual suspects, a few players are rising to the top, and one of them is making waves beyond expectations.
As the 2025 NBA draft approaches, the conversation is dominated by names like Duke’s Cooper Flagg, a versatile talent tipped as the likely No. 1 pick. Yet, a recent podcast by Field of 68: After Dark has placed another name firmly in the spotlight: Ace Bailey. “But for Durant, who I think is the best scorer, you know, of this generation and one of the best scores to ever play, for him to in that clip say, you know, I think that Ace is ahead of me from a mid-range perspective. That is not said lightly,” Robbie Hummel said on the podcast.
The praise from Durant isn’t just flattery—it’s a testament to Bailey’s ability to hit shots that most players can’t even dream of. Hummel continued, “There’s nobody in college basketball making those. And there’s not many guys on planet Earth who are. He has the potential. I’m not saying he will, but Ace Bailey could make $500 million.”
This statement echoes the rising tide around Bailey’s potential. The bold prediction suggests that if he continues to develop at his current pace, Bailey might just land a lucrative NBA deal that pushes him to the top tier of basketball’s elite. His skills are undeniable. Bailey’s smooth game and impressive shot-making ability stand out in an era where versatility is key. With averages of 19.9 points, 7.7 rebounds, and a 48.5% shooting percentage this season, he’s already showing he has the tools to succeed at the next level.
Jeff Goodman, another voice in the conversation, highlighted Bailey’s continued rise, noting, “Dylan Harper didn’t play. I think he’s a guy that’s in the equation. We put out our mock draft today and he’s number two. I still think Cooper Flagg goes number one, but Dylan Harper has been, you know, I saw him in players. Awesome.”
With Harper out of action due to illness, Bailey seized the opportunity, putting up a career-high 39 points in a hard-fought loss to Indiana. Despite the defeat, his performance cemented his status as a player to watch in the upcoming draft.
Bailey’s game has drawn comparisons to some of the NBA’s greats, and his ability to create and make tough shots in high-pressure situations is drawing the attention of scouts across the country. In the recent 39-point performance against Indiana, he shot 16-29 from the field, including 4-8 from three-point range, while grabbing 8 rebounds and dishing out 0 assists.
These numbers reflect his skill in both scoring and contributing across various aspects of the game, from rebounding to defense. His versatility, along with his 6-10 frame, positions him as a key player in the modern NBA landscape, one capable of making an immediate impact at the next level.
The question remains: will Bailey’s potential become reality? If so, he could be the player who challenges the draft’s narrative, pushing himself into the conversation as the No. 2 pick, perhaps even securing that massive $500 million future. Time will tell, but for now, Bailey’s stock is on the rise, and the basketball world is watching.
