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Jason Terry sees a rare blend of size and shooting in Utah Jazz rookie Ace Bailey, and he isn’t shy about comparing one part of Bailey’s game to Hall of Famer Ray Allen. The veteran coach believes Bailey’s quick release and natural shot mechanics give the 19-year-old a foundation to become a premier long-range threat as he grows into the NBA.
Why Jason Terry’s assessment carries weight for the Jazz
Jason Terry spent nearly two decades in the league as a shooter and scorer. He won the Sixth Man of the Year and retired with a career 3-point mark near 38%. That background shapes how he evaluates young shooters.
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Terry joined the Utah Jazz staff in 2022-23. His role includes mentoring perimeter players and shaping shooter workflows during practices. When he points to a specific trait, scouts and fans listen.
Ace Bailey’s rookie snapshot: role, minutes, and raw metrics
Ace Bailey was the Jazz’s top pick in the 2025 draft, taken fifth overall after one season at Rutgers. At 6-foot-9, he blends size and mobility for a wing prospect.
- Games played: 49, with 38 starts.
- Scoring and rebounding: about 11.7 points and 3.9 boards per game.
- Shooting: roughly 45.0% overall and 34.0% from deep this season.
- Team standing: Utah is rebuilding, sitting 13th in the West at 18-38.
Bailey ranks among the Jazz leaders in scoring and 3-pointers made despite limited pro experience. His playing time reflects a team committed to development.
What Terry highlighted: quick release and shooting mechanics
Terry compared Bailey’s release to Ray Allen’s, noting the young wing gets shots off fast in traffic. That quickness matters in the NBA, where defenders close space in moments.
Key elements Terry praised:
- Compact, rapid release that allows shots from tight windows.
- Good timing coming off screens, especially pin-down actions.
- Effectiveness in transition, where early catch-and-shoot chances appear.
Terry pointed out that Bailey doesn’t replicate Allen’s leaping ability. The emphasis is on speed of the release and shot timing rather than vertical explosiveness.
How Utah can maximize Bailey’s shooting upside
In a rebuild, playing time equals opportunity. Utah can lean into actions that highlight Bailey’s strengths.
- Design more pin-downs and stagger screens to create open looks.
- Use early offense and push tempo to find transition threes.
- Increase repetitions on catch-and-shoot work and footwork drills.
- Monitor shot selection to keep efficiency high while expanding volume.
Long-term growth areas and what to monitor this season
Bailey still needs seasoning. He played one college season and faces a steep learning curve.
- Defensive consistency against NBA wings.
- Strength and finishing at the rim.
- Higher 3-point volume while maintaining accuracy.
- Decision-making in late-clock possessions.
Trackable signs of progress: rising 3-point percentage on off-screen attempts, improved free-throw rate, and better defensive plus-minus. Coaching focus and steady minutes could translate natural shooting talent into lasting efficiency.
