The Washington Wizards currently sit at the bottom of the NBA with a league-worst record of 3-19 and the highest odds to earn the No.1 overall pick.
And while using the word "earned" may seem like an odd word to use in the instance of being the worst team in the league, considering what's at stake, the Wizards may have picked the best season to be mediocre.
The incoming NBA Draft class is one of the most talented groups in recent years and Washington could be at the forefront of it all with a chance to choose their pick of the blue chip prospects.
Most people consider the race for the first overall draft pick as the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes, but the players outside of the Duke star could make the race for the top overall pick closer than they think.
With names like Dylan Harper and VJ Edgecombe coming to mind, the Wizards will have plenty of options to choose from this offseason. However, the biggest name that could give Flagg a run for his money to be the No. 1 overall pick is Ace Bailey.
Who is Ace Bailey?
Ace Bailey is a freshman forward that is showing why he may have the highest upside of any player in the upcoming draft. The former five-star recruit is averaging 17.5 points, 7.1 rebounds and 0.6 assists, while shooting 45.1% from field goal range and 32.4% from beyond the arc throughout the start of his first year with Rutgers.
Meanwhile, Flagg is in the midst of a strong freshman season himself averaging 15.9 points, 8.9 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while showing plenty of versatility.
Nonetheless, here's three reasons why Ace Bailey should be considered for the No. 1 pick over Flagg.
1) Bailey's tough-shot making ability could separate him
One of the top skillsets of Bailey's is his ability to take and make every shot on the court, even big ones. The 6-foot-10 forward has great size, and his footwork to pair with it make him a nightmare to defend. He can get to any spot on the court at will, and his ability to knock down shots, even in tight coverage will bode well for his success at the next level.
Looking at players like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant, the best ability in the league is being able to create your own shot and knock them down when your team needs it most is what teams will have an eye for.
2) Poise in big moments
Bailey has been in multiple tight games through his first eight starts during his freshman season, and he's continued to stack solid performances in each. The versatile wing is patient and even when the momentum seems to be going against him, Bailey can focus on slowing things down and making the right play over and over again in the clutch.
3) Not afraid of the challenge to rebuild a team
The 18-year-old was recruited heavily as the No. 2 player in the nation out of high school. Bailey had the opportunity to play anywhere in the country with teams like Auburn, Kansas and Kentucky heavily pursuing him. However, the talented player chose to choose arguably committ to the one school not many considered had a realistic chance to land him in Rutgers.
Bailey joined Dylan Harper to suit up for the Scarlet Knights and potentially change the future of the program completely. Considering the Wizards will likely hav ethe top pick, they won't be in postion to contend immediately and they'll be looking to draft a player who has the patience and desire to grow with the Wizards and not get disgruntled if they don't win right away. Bailey fits the bill.
There will be arguments for many prospects to land in Washington if they have the top pick, but for now, this is the three reasons why Bailey could be the ideal fit for the Wizards.