What NBA Team Will Draft Airious Bailey in 2025?
What NBA Team Will Draft Airious Bailey in 2025?
Every year, 30 NBA teams will select fresh talent, often from college basketball, to strengthen their rosters for the season ahead.
One of the most-talked-about athletes eligible to join a team is Airious “Ace” Bailey, as his talent on the court has made him the highest-ranked basketball player in Rutgers’ history.
Due to his undeniable skills, many sports fans hope he’ll join their favorite team this year, and many will likely be eager to sign him.
Keep reading to learn which NBA team will likely draft Airious Bailey in 2025.
LEADERBOARD
NBA 2025 Draft - Which Team to Draft Airious Bailey
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner New Orleans Pelicans | 20% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Charlotte Hornets | 20% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Brooklyn Nets | 15.38% |
Analysis of BEO’s betting odds points to the New Orleans Pelicans drafting Airious Bailey in 2025 ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.
Who is Airious “Ace” Bailey?
18-year-old Airious “Ace” Bailey has wowed since he joined the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, a college basketball team, in 2024. Soon after, he was voted one of the top players in the 2024 class.
The 6ft 10 star’s statistics speak for themselves, as his stat line is 17.6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.
Thanks to his dominant presence, he has been compared to many basketball greats, such as Brandon Ingram, Kevin Durant, Rashard Lewis, and Michael Porter Jr.
Due to his natural shooting pitch and versatility on the court, many believe he is a lottery pick, as he has the skills to transform an NBA team’s franchise for the better. For this reason, he’s expected to be in the top three picks in the 2025 summer draft.
While he’s yet to be picked by an NBA team, Ace is already enjoying the benefits of his sporting fame, as he recently signed an NIL deal with Nike.
Ace Bailey May Join the New Orleans Pelicans
Betting odds indicate the New Orleans Pelicans will likely pick Airious Bailey in 2025.
As Cooper Flagg and Dylan Harper are expected to be the number one and number two draft picks, many believe Bailey will be third. As the New Orleans Pelicans will likely land the third pick, Bailey might be a smart choice.
Many fans believe Bailey and the Pelicans are a natural fit, as his skills may align with the team’s current needs.
Charlotte Hornets Have a Strong Chance
According to Sports Illustrated, the Charlotte Hornets would jump at the chance to sign a high scorer, meaning they might not hesitate to pick Ace Bailey if given the opportunity.
Sadly for the Hornets, it has one of the worst league records, but it is tipped to secure the third overall pick, which could help the team get off to a stronger start next season.
As Ace Bailey has superb shot-making abilities, he might be what the team needs to enjoy more success in the NBA, especially when combining his skills with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Utah Jazz Could Make a Play for Ace
According to Bleacher Report, the Utah Jazz would be “a great landing spot” for Ace Bailey, but the team would “need to be top two or three to have a chance at Bailey.”
However, the sports publication believes there is a strong chance the team will have a high draft pick, helping it lock in the 18-year-old rising star.
After a disappointing 2024-2025 season, the Jazz need a star player to reach the playoffs, and Bailey could be the answer to their prayers, especially as Lauri Markkanen might be moving on soon.
