NBA Draft Drama: Where Will Ace Bailey Land? Top Teams to Watch!

The excitement is mounting for an unpredictable NBA offseason, kicking off with the NBA draft’s first round this Wednesday night. The event will be buzzing with speculation about the top picks and potential blockbuster trades, potentially altering the NBA landscape for the foreseeable future.

What key storylines should you keep an eye on during the draft? Here are the essential points to consider:

No Shockers Expected Early On

While draft night could always surprise us, the first two picks are likely predetermined. The Dallas Mavericks seem committed to choosing Cooper Flagg, the draft’s top prospect, who could become their new cornerstone post-Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving era. Following them, the San Antonio Spurs are poised to draft Dylan Harper with the second pick. Harper is seen as a key addition to their backcourt, which already boasts talents like De’Aaron Fox and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle. Even if San Antonio decides against re-signing Fox in 2026, Harper stands as both a valuable future teammate for Victor Wembanyama or a significant trade asset.

Ace Bailey Influences the Top 10

Ace Bailey, hailing from Rutgers, has become a divisive figure in this year’s draft discussions. His exceptional scoring flair impresses many, yet his decision-making and ability to create space on the floor raise concerns. Adding to the complexity, Bailey’s pre-draft activities, managed by his agent Omar Cooper, have been unusual. Cooper, known for founding the AOT AAU program, has not had Bailey work out for any teams, a strategy possibly aimed at steering Bailey towards a more favorable team situation. Despite the risks involved, Bailey could still be an option for the Philadelphia 76ers at pick number three. However, predictions suggest the 76ers might opt for Baylor’s VJ Edgecombe instead, as he fits better with their veteran-heavy lineup aiming to compete now. Meanwhile, Charlotte could be poised to select established shooters, yet might trade down to allow a team like Washington, New Orleans, or Brooklyn to secure Bailey.

Controversial Prospects to Watch

Bailey isn’t the only prospect surrounded by controversy. Maryland’s Derik Queen and Illinois’s Kasparas Jakucionis also have fluctuating draft stock. Queen, known for his varied offensive talents, could be picked in the later part of the top 10, though concerns about his defensive agility and maturity persist. Jakucionis, on the other hand, had a mixed season at Illinois, marked by occasional brilliance in shooting tempered by his struggle with turnovers. Both are unlikely to drop out of the early selection range, with teams later in the draft likely to capitalize on any unexpected availability.

Further down, a surplus of wings expected to be picked in the middle to late first round could see at least one player’s stock unexpectedly drop. Cedric Coward and Will Riley are two such prospects with variable projections. Coward, one of the draft’s feel-good stories, moved from Division III to Washington State but saw limited playtime due to injuries. Riley, although critiqued for his slight build and unusual style, is praised for his shooting skills and basketball IQ.

Key Trades to Watch For

Beyond potential deals to secure picks like Bailey’s, several trades have already reshaped the first round, and more are expected on draft day. Oklahoma City, with its surplus of draft picks at Nos. 15 and 24, is anticipated to make a move, possibly consolidating these picks to climb higher in the draft order or trading away later picks for future draft assets or financial flexibility.

Brooklyn, now holding five first-round picks, is another team to watch. It’s improbable that they will use all these picks themselves; they might package some to move up or trade some for future considerations. The exact value of these later picks, ranging from 19 to 27, is yet to be determined.

Other teams with multiple first-round picks looking to possibly move up include New Orleans, Phoenix, Washington, and San Antonio. With a dynamic trade market this summer, expect a high level of activity throughout the draft.

Impact of the New CBA on First-Round Picks

The value of first-round draft picks, especially those outside the top lottery selections, has arguably never been higher due to the new collective bargaining agreement. The agreement’s tax provisions make it challenging for teams to overhaul their rosters, making cost-effective, young players who can contribute immediately more crucial than ever. Prospects like Florida’s Walter Clayton Jr., Colorado State’s Nique Clifford, and several ready-to-play big men such as Maxime Raynaud from Stanford, Ryan Kalkbrenner from Creighton, and Johni Broome from Auburn could provide significant value.

More on the NBA Draft from Sports Illustrated