Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George recently shared his thoughts on the debate surrounding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. According to George, Rutgers star Ace Bailey has a higher upside than Duke’s Cooper Flagg.
Speaking on the latest episode of his podcast, “Podcast P with Paul George,” the All-Star forward expressed his admiration for both players but leaned toward Bailey when comparing their potential. “I think Ace Bailey is a little bit more raw talent with still a ton of upside,” George said, via Adam Zagoria wrote on nj.com. “Cooper Flagg, not to say he doesn’t have upside, he has amazing upside as well, but I think Ace Bailey has a little bit more upside to him.”
George went on to explain that while both players have the potential to become NBA superstars, Bailey’s untapped potential sets him apart. “I think Ace Bailey can scratch a little bit more off of his surface than Cooper Flagg can,” he said. “Both will be All-Stars, both will be superstars once they develop and get to the NBA.”
Both players are highly regarded in the upcoming draft, with many analysts projecting them to be among the top picks. According to George, the two players share similarities to the legendary rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. “I think those two will definitely be the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird comparison in terms of similar body types and the parity between those two,” George said.
Bailey, a 6-9 small forward from Rutgers, has showcased his versatility and athleticism throughout his freshman year. Averaging 18.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, Bailey’s combination of size and skill has drawn comparisons to some of the best in the game. His tough shot-taking and shot-making ability make him one of the most exciting prospects in the draft, though his shot selection is an area of improvement.
On the other hand, Flagg, a 6-9 power forward from Duke, has impressed with his complete game on both ends of the court. Averaging 19.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, Flagg is known for his dominant defensive presence and well-rounded offensive game. While his outside shot could use some refinement, his ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him a standout in the 2025 class.
With Dylan Harper, a 6-5 shooting guard from Rutgers, also in the mix for the top three spots, the 2025 NBA Draft is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent memory. Harper, known for his big-time shot-making and advanced skill, is averaging 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game as a freshman.
As the draft approaches, the debate between Bailey, Flagg, and Harper will only intensify. But for Paul George, Bailey stands out as the player with the highest ceiling.
