WHAT if the hornets draft ACE BAILEY? 2025 NBA DRAFT PROFILE.

Ace Bailey (The Score)

What if the Hornets draft Ace Bailey? Ace Bailey is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2025 draft class. At 6’8” with a long, fluid frame and elite athleticism, he brings the kind of upside that teams love to bet on. For months, he was considered a near lock for the top three. But recently, things have started to shift. Bailey hasn’t scheduled individual workouts with teams, and that’s caused some hesitation around the league. As a result, he’s slowly starting to slide down draft boards. If that continues, there’s a real chance he could be available when the Hornets are on the clock at pick four. 

Bailey is extremely raw. He’s not a polished scorer yet, and he’s still learning how to make an impact in the half-court. But the flashes are undeniable. He’s explosive in transition, can rise up over defenders with ease, and has shown signs of becoming a shot creator down the line. His jumper is still developing, but the mechanics look solid, and there’s reason to believe he’ll be able to stretch the floor with time. He also brings defensive versatility with his length and agility, giving him the tools to guard multiple positions once he learns the nuances of team defense. 

He’s the kind of player who needs the right system to bring out his potential. Charlotte could be that place, but it also may not be. If the Hornets decide to move Miles Bridges to the four full-time, it opens up a natural path for Bailey at the wing. With LaMelo Ball handling creation and Brandon Miller spacing the floor, Bailey wouldn’t be asked to carry a heavy offensive load right away. He could grow into his role, focusing on defense, transition play, and off-ball movement while the rest of his game catches up. 

There’s risk involved. Bailey is a long-term project who might not contribute consistently as a rookie. But if Charlotte is willing to be patient and build around their young core, the fit could make a lot of sense. Bailey checks a lot of boxes for what the Hornets need at forward, and if developed properly, he has the chance to turn into something special.

Cover Image: Bleacher Report