What is Amari Bailey's draft projection? Exploring 6’5” UCLA guard's chances to make it into NBA
UCLA freshman guard Amari Bailey came into the year as a prospect, making a buzz in preseason NBA draft circles. Many thought Bailey could have a big season while playing for the Bruins.
The tools that Bailey has to offer are tantalizing. He's a shifty combo guard listed at 6-foot-5 and offers upside as a potential floor spacer. There's also some shiftiness to his game that pairs well with his underrated athleticism.
Playing for one of the country's top basketball teams, Bailey had to find his groove throughout the season. The Bruins had a roster led by several upperclassmen, leaving the freshman needing to figure out where to make his impact.
After an up-and-down season, Bailey finished with a solid stretch of performances. Is that enough to have him in the discussion as a potential prospect for the 2023 NBA draft?
UCLA Bruins guard Amari Bailey's draft projection
Amari Bailey has become a bit of a wild card concerning the 2023 NBA draft. At one point this season, many thought Bailey would likely become a player who spends multiple years with the Bruins program.
Heading into the season, NBA draft analysts viewed Bailey as a player who could go somewhere within the 20-30 range of the draft. The idea fizzled throughout the year but has started to generate some steam again after his performances in the previous month.
When you look at Bailey's numbers throughout the entire season, they look respectable. In 30 games, he averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 49.5%, including 38.9% from 3-point range.
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But the string of performances at the end of the year has NBA scouts wanting to circle back and review Bailey's progression. In his last six games, Bailey averaged 17.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.0 apg and 1.3 spg while shooting 56.1%, including 46.7% from 3-point range.
Bailey will most likely be a player who tests the waters heading to the draft combine while maintaining his college eligibility. It's a smart move as players can test the draft waters and get feedback from NBA teams on which areas of the game scouts want them to improve.
Bailey had a solid final performance in UCLA's 79-76 Sweet 16 loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs. He finished with 19 points and five rebounds on Thursday night while shooting 7-for-13.