Among the Charlotte Hornets' choices for the No. 4 pick in the coming draft, Ace Bailey has got to be the most polarizing. If the latest report that he thinks so highly of himself rings true, the Hornets should have him low on their draft board.
According to Jeremy Woo of ESPN, Bailey's camp has reportedly told teams that the Rutgers University product is a "top-three player in the draft" but also wants a "clear pathway to stardom." Given that, he should be out there proving himself to different squads in his draft range. However, he has apparently declined draft workout invitations, except for a scheduled visit with the Philadelphia 76ers this week.
So, despite Bailey's intriguing potential upside, Charlotte should be wary of the red flags surrounding him.
Hornets might have to take themselves out of the Ace Bailey conversations
There is little doubt about the 18-year-old's talent. Bailey has shown a soft touch with the ball, allowing him to sink uncontested and contested shots from the midrange area to beyond the arc. His efficiency could use plenty of work, based on his field goal and free throw percentages during his lone season in college. He also has freaking athleticism, although his lack of strength could be a key reason his finishing at the rim is still lacking.
Defense has been one of the major concerns in Bailey's game, and that, along with his unexpectedly shorter frame, is likely why not a lot of people believe he would be a seamless fit with the Hornets.
With the recent development, though, there is now another reason for the organization to pass on him if he is still available when it is on the clock on draft night.
Bailey doesn't appear to have a quick path to stardom in Charlotte, as he will likely fall behind LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller in the pecking order on offense. Even Miles Bridges will need touches, and the current season has shown that he deserves to be called offensive plays for.
Moreover, Ace wouldn't even be assured of a spot in the starting lineup if he were to land on the Hornets. Their first five, if no major roster changes were made, would presumably still include Ball, Miller, Bridges, and Mark Williams. Adding Bailey to the mix could result in a frighteningly porous defense unless any of the incumbent four make a significant leap on that end of the floor.
So, the situation in Charlotte is probably not in Bailey's interest. And the last thing the franchise needs is a potential source of drama, especially from a guy who is expected to help transform it into a contender one day.