Dec 19, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks (10) passes the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Utah Jazz defeated the Orlando Magic 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Before the 2014-15 NBA season, much was made of the fact that Utah Jazz guard Alec Burks was finally getting his first, real chance to strut his stuff. Unfortunately, the baller Jazz play-by-play man Craig Bolerjack refers to as Houdini was unable to display his basketball magic after a shoulder injury limited him to just 27 total games.

In his absence, the remaining Jazzmen made some magic of their own, transforming themselves into a stifling defensive squad and perhaps the most promising young roster in the Association. After winning a surprising 38 games, many feel that Utah is now just one move away from contending in the Western Conference.

A recent video produced by Kansas City-based A1 Productions inspires hope that Burks’ return from injury could be just the acquisition to turn the tide–

To see Burks maneuver with and score the basketball in a competitive training session with fellow professionals is a welcome sight for the collective sore eyes of Jazz Nation. If the former Colorado Buffalo can come in and reclaim his starting spot from sharpshooting swingman Rodney Hood, coach Quin Snyder’s crew could become a force to be reckoned with next season.

Regardless of whether Burks supplants Hood or becomes the team’s sixth man and primary scorer off the bench, his return can shore up Utah’s wing depth and transform what was a position of weakness last year into an area of strength in 2015-16. For this reason, Burks’ return could have a more pronounced effect on the franchise than the upcoming free agency period or the NBA Draft.

Workin on the half court shot with @AlecBurks10 today. Hard work payin off. pic.twitter.com/2FX8Ss9Pr5 — Mark Western (@CoachWestern) May 1, 2015

Whatever happens, one can’t help but get excited by seeing Alec Burks out of the sling, on a basketball court and doing his thing. Offseason training footage though it may be, its implications for the future of the Utah Jazz are enticing.

With any luck, it is the forebearer of big things for Burks and the Jazz next season.