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Can the Utah Jazz Win the Northwest Division?

By Jared Woodcox

Mar 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) is congratulated by center Enes Kanter (11) after a play against the Utah Jazz during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) is congratulated by center Enes Kanter (11) after a play against the Utah Jazz during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) attempts to steal the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Utah Jazz guard Shelvin Mack (8) attempts to steal the ball from Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

Oklahoma City Thunder

Now here is where the race for the division title gets really muddled. Each of the remaining teams has a strong argument for being the likely division winner. While the Thunder are almost certainly out of the conversation for being a title contender, with an All-Star point guard like Russell Westbrook still around to lead the charge, this will still be an extremely difficult team to beat.

And, yes, while Kevin Durant shouldered an incredible load for the Thunder in the playoffs, the team was truly at its best when each player on the roster was contributing. Steven Adams had a solid postseason and when Andre Roberson was also on (which turned out to not be frequently enough), the Thunder were nearly impossible to beat.

But this season will likely be a difficult one for the Thunder as they attempt to adapt to life without former league MVP Kevin Durant. And while Westbrook is without a doubt an impressive player, he hasn’t always been the most reliable number one option. In 2014-15 with Durant sidelined due to injury, Westbrook put up some amazing stats, but they often didn’t lead to a Thunder win.

Not to mention, that the Thunder’s offseason moves were somewhat questionable. Time will tell if sending off Serge Ibaka for Victor Oladipo, Ersan Ilyasova and Domantas Sabonis will pay off or not. While there’s certainly some talent in that mix, none of those players screams game changer.

The reality of the Thunder’s situation is that they will go as far as Westbrook can take them. If the often volatile point guard can harness his positive traits and set aside some of his issues with decision making, turnovers and occasional poor shot selection, Oklahoma City could very well still take the division from the rabble of young teams that surround them.

But with less depth and no two-headed dragon in Westbrook and Durant, teams may find themselves able to focus their attention on the lone remaining star and as a result silence the Thunder.

While only time will tell how Oklahoma City responds this season, their weakened depth and potential for post-Durant chemistry problems could very well open the door for the Jazz to charge past them en route to the division title.

Next: Portland Trail Blazers

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