The NBA draft is often seen as a rite of passage for young athletes, but what if it’s not? Former Rutgers guard/forward Ace Bailey took a bold move during the 2025 NBA draft by telling a team in the top five to select him or else he wouldn’t show up. To everyone’s surprise, the Utah Jazz chose Bailey at No. 5.
This incident highlights the potential for players to use their leverage to improve the situation for themselves and others. Rather than blindly accepting a pick from any team, players can try to negotiate a better outcome. This approach has implications for all sports leagues, where drafts often create a one-size-fits-all system that doesn’t prioritize player well-being.
Rather than assuming that an NBA-style draft is necessary for success, teams like the NFL could explore alternative models. If no draft existed, the NFL might pivot to a different format. What’s essential, however, is recognizing the benefits of players taking control and pushing back against a flawed system.
Source: https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/the-nfl-draft-needs-an-ace-bailey