The future of the Utah Jazz appears increasingly promising following recent developments, yet amid the anticipation for the upcoming season, rookie Ace Bailey’s performance has somewhat faded into the background. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked, as Bailey’s raw talent has indeed sparked enthusiasm among Jazz fans.
While primarily known as a wing player, Bailey’s standout skill is his shooting ability, which has drawn comparisons to NBA legend Ray Allen—an icon well-known to Jazz supporters. In a recent exclusive interview, Jazz assistant coach Jason Terry highlighted Bailey’s shooting form, likening it to that of Allen.
“There’s no limit for Ace Bailey, because he’s a blank canvas,” Terry remarked. “He’s only 19 years old. He’s coming in. He’s raw, but he has supreme athleticism, and his ability to shoot—he can be one of the great shooters from long range when it’s all said and done. He has a quick release, and he gets it off quick, kind of like a Ray Allen-type release.”
Allen was renowned for his impeccable shooting, a skill that became his hallmark even as his overall talent as a player was significant. His smooth shooting form, alongside legends like Stephen Curry and Larry Bird, set a high standard in NBA history.
Currently, Bailey is shooting 33.5% from beyond the arc, a figure that isn’t stellar but shows potential for growth. Observers of the game can see that his shooting technique looks promising, suggesting that improvement might be a matter of practice and experience.
If Bailey’s trajectory aligns with that of Ray Allen, the Jazz could have discovered a remarkable asset. While it’s ambitious to expect Bailey to attain the same elite shooting status that Allen achieved, if he can develop into a reliable sharpshooter, the Jazz’s prospects for the future could elevate significantly.
Although the Jazz aren’t expected to be true contenders next season due to uncertainties surrounding player health and overall performance, Bailey’s potential development as an above-average floor spacer is a scenario that could make the team formidable. With other offensive priorities in play, the Jazz hope Bailey can evolve into a two-way wing and elite shooter, further validating their decision during last year’s NBA Draft.
The excitement surrounding Bailey’s growth communicates a hopeful sentiment for Jazz fans, emphasizing that while the season’s outcome remains uncertain, the future looks bright with young talents like Ace Bailey at the forefront.