UCLA Guard Amari Bailey to Make Jump to NBA

On Thursday, Amari Bailey took to Instagram to declare for the 2023 NBA Draft:

This was an adamant choice; Bailey is fully committed to this year’s draft. He has no intention of getting a better feel for his draft stock before making a further decision as his mother relayed to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony:

Amari Bailey, a potential first round pick, is entering the 2023 NBA Draft, his mother, Johanna Leia, told ESPN, and his college career at UCLA is over. "He is not testing the waters," Leia said. "He's full-fledged in declaring for the draft." pic.twitter.com/q9aQkBFTuN
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 13, 2023

Last week, I wrote a piece about the potential risks and rewards of prospects returning to college. On the flip side, declaring for the draft has similar rewards and risks.

Of course, there’s the monetary aspect; NBA money is no joke. In terms of player development, entering the league means an extra year with the best training staffs in the world. Additionally, making the leap to the pros when one’s hype is highest can grant them extra time and resources to fulfill their potential in the league. Front offices will always prioritize their top picks’ development. If a player has solidified their draft stock in a comfortable range, they should always feel good about taking the next step.

However, with unproven prospects, entering the NBA world too early can be damaging. They can still reap the benefits of being a pro, but being picked later equals much less time and opportunity to find success.

In Bailey’s case, he had a very solid freshman season consisting of extremely enticing flashes, especially later in the season. In his first 16 games, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 9.8 points. In his last 14, he averaged 12.7 points and recorded his only two 20-point games of the season.

This came on the heels of being one of the most-touted high school players in the country. He was the fifth-ranked player in the 2022 graduating class according to ESPN after starring on the same Sierra Canyon squad as Bronny James.

At this moment, he’s primarily projected as a mid-second round pick.

With the departure of prominent players such as Tyger Campbell, Jamie Jaquez Jr,. and Jaylen Clark, Bailey would have ample opportunity on the Bruins next season. If he could build off of his big games from late last season, the Chicago native would really improve his draft stock. On the contrary, if he failed to do so, he would likely struggle to get drafted as his current hype would be diminished.

Ultimately, Bailey made the decision that he felt was right for him, and now we get to see it all play out.

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