Paul George Weighs In On Ace Bailey’s Pre-Draft Process

[Utah Jazz]

Paul George Weighs In On Ace Bailey’s Pre-Draft Process

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)



During Ace Bailey’s recent run-up to the NBA draft, a lot of people criticized the way he approached the league.

When Bailey decided not to work out with any team, people said he was shooting himself in the foot and getting in his own way.

Paul George was one of many to critique him, claiming that Bailey shouldn’t be shocked if his draft value diminished because of his choices.

Now, he is taking that back.

On the latest episode of his show, George actually defended Bailey and his draft decisions.

“I wanna kinda retract what I said [about Ace Bailey]. How can we get on a kid that kinda knows what he wants? He wants to do it his way, and he’s good enough. He’s got the talent, he’s going to go where he wants to go. That’s his decision. It could’ve backfired, but it didn’t. He’s still in a great situation. He still gets to showcase what he could do. I hate being that person to be like, ‘Oh you should’ve done this.’ Everybody has their own path,” George said.

"[Ace Bailey] wants to do it his way … I hate being that person to be like, ‘Oh you should’ve done this.’ Everybody has their own path.’”

PG opens up on how Ace handled his pre-draft process. pic.twitter.com/crLlRcZ0Go

— Podcast P with Paul George (@PodcastPShow) July 21, 2025

Bailey certainly was making some brash choices as the draft approached.

He didn’t want to work out for any team, and his management made it clear that there were certain squads that he didn’t wish to play for.

It’s not often that rookies make demands like that, and Bailey was turning a lot of heads, for the wrong reasons.

In the end, the Utah Jazz decided to take a chance on Bailey, and he showed some real promise in the recent NBA Summer League.

So, perhaps all of this is going to work out well for both him and his new team.

Yes, he could have handled things differently, but some people are coming around on Bailey because he shows that behind his unorthodox choices, there is great talent.

The post Paul George Weighs In On Ace Bailey’s Pre-Draft Process appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/paul-george-weighs-in-on-ace-baileys-pre-draft-process/