Utah Jazz: Pre-Camp Northwest Division Power Rankings

By Ryan Aston | Sep 25, 2016

Jan 13, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard C.J. McCollum (3) drives to the basket on Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) and center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter of the NBA game at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets Rudy Gobert Utah Jazz

Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

5) Denver Nuggets

Although the Denver Nuggets are bringing up the rear in these rankings, there’s a lot to like about their roster. The team is stocked with intriguing young players — Nikola Jokic is one of the best young big men in the game, Will Barton will be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year and Emmanuel Mudiay could be primed for a breakout season.

Meanwhile, 2016 draft picks Jamal Murray and Juan Hernangomez each have massive potential.

Unfortunately, youth doesn’t win in the league and the other young teams in the division are a few years farther along than Denver.

It’s going to be a bumpy road, Nuggets fans, but keep the faith. Either your guys will grow into a strong, young core, or the team will work to flip some of them into a difference-maker.

Next: No. 4

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