During the NBA Draft process, Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George was openly critical of Ace Bailey‘s decision to refuse workouts with teams around the NBA. The Rutger’s product even cancelled a workout with the Sixers at the last minute.
However, during a recent episode of the “Podcast P with Paul George” podcast, the veteran All-Star changed his stance.
“I want to kind of retract what I said. How can we get on a kid that kind of knows what he wants? We’re not in his shoes,” George said. “He wants to do it his way. He’s good enough, he’s got the talent, he’s gonna go where he wants to go. That’s his decision. It could have backfired, but it didn’t. He’s still in a great situation; he still gets to showcase what he could do. He had a great game too. He went crazy, showed his potential, a flash of it.”
PG opens up on how Ace handled his pre-draft process.
Bailey played in two Summer League games earlier this month, with his 18-point, 7-rebound outing against the Memphis Grizzlies catching the eye. Nevertheless, Bailey’s pre-draft decision-making means he will likely have a long road to proving himself. After all, he likely ruffled a few feathers around the NBA by choosing to avoid private workouts.
Here’s What George Previously Said
George’s previous comments occurred in a June 24 edition of his podcast. He was discussing Bailey’s decision to cancel a workout with the Sixers, and how that had likely impacted his draft stock around the NBA.
“If I’m Ace Bailey, I can’t get mad if my stock drops,” George said. “I can’t get mad if my stock drops. He’s canceled all workouts. He hasn’t worked out for any team…But you’re not in a position to be making those commands. Make it to the league first. It’s for sure the people around him. I don’t know who’s representing him, but I don’t think they’re going about it the right way.”
Bailey ultimately got taken fifth overall in the draft, joining the Utah Jazz as a result. Now, under the tutelage of Will Hardy, he will have the opportunity to step into a big role, while being given the runway to prove he can be a cornerstone in the team’s overall rebuild.
Sixers’ Daryl Morey is Pleased With Offseason Work
During a recent media availability, Morey discussed how the Sixers’ rotation has become younger and more athletic heading into the new season.
“I think we went in with a big goal of being younger and more athletic among the group that we think will likely be on the floor,” Morey said, per the Philly Voice. “I feel we’ve done that…I think around Joel and Paul, I think pretty much every likely rotation player is 27, 28 or younger. So, yeah, we’re looking forward to that, and optimistic on where things are at with Joel. So, yeah, looking forward to next season.”
The addition of VJ Edgecombe, with the third overall pick, has likely played a role in Morey’s outlook. The rookie guard has high-level athleticism and projects to be a star of the future. The Sixers also added Johni Broome via the draft, Trendon Watford to a two-year deal, and added Jabari Walker and Dominick Barlow on two-way contracts.
Still, the Sixers will need both Paul George and Joel Embiid at full health if they’re going to make a push for an NBA championship next season.
Sixers’ Paul George Changes Stance on Ace Bailey