Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania, is making headlines again, but not for the reasons you may expect.
He has acknowledged that, as a fervent Philadelphia 76ers supporter, he has called into local radio programs as Josh from Juniata to talk about the Sixers. Shapiro recently told Kyle Pagan, a street interviewer, that he doesn’t like one of Rutgers’ two upcoming NBA lottery picks.
About [Ace Bailey], I’m concerned. You’ve got a problem here if you’re not coming to work out (points to his head). Shapiro implied that he had called Sixers ownership to discourage them from selecting Bailey at No. 3 when he added, “I’ve already sent a message about that.”
MORE: Ace Bailey turns into the NBA’s greatest conundrum
However, it didn’t end there: I simply dislike that. He has a lot of talent and potential, but I don’t want you here if you don’t want to be here or aren’t desperate to be here.
With the most recent ruling in a confusing pre-draft process, Bailey, who has been dubbed the most divisive talent in the 2025 NBA Draft, is not making his case.
Adam Zagoria of NJ Advance Media was informed by a league source on Wednesday that the former Rutgers standout had canceled a private workout and meeting with the Sixers that was planned for last weekend.His flight into Philadelphia was set for Thursday.
Before agreeing to a meeting, Bailey wanted an assurance from the Sixers, who own the third overall choice in the 2025 NBA Draft, according to ABC6’s Jason Dumas.
According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony, who selected Bailey at No. 6 to the Washington Wizards in his most recent mock draft, he has turned down invites from several teams in his draft range.
The Sixers have not ruled out choosing Bailey despite his refusal to visit, according to Givony, who pointed out that president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has previously chosen a number of players—including star guards Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain—without a private workout.
According to Givony, Bailey’s camp has told prospective teams that it thinks he will be selected in the top three, but it also wants a clear route to stardom and wants to find a position that will allow him to play as much as possible.
MORE RUTGERS COVERAGE
-
NBA Draft: Where will mystery man Ace Bailey land? Here s what final mocks say about ex-Rutgers star
-
What ex-Rutgers star Ace Bailey said about his perplexing pre-draft strategy, reactions to it
-
Ace Bailey will make NBA executives who don t draft him look like dopes | Politi
-
Diamond in the Dirt
-
Rutgers basketball: Local top-100 recruit sets official visit to Piscataway
