The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Northwest Division Comparison – November

By Jared Woodcox

Oct 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) defends against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless (4) defends against Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) during the first quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Shabazz Muhammad (15) against the Charlotte Hornets at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Hornets 109-74. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Minnesota Timberwolves

Current Record: 0-2

Standings: 5th in Division, 12th in Conference

Much like the Utah Jazz, the Minnesota Timberwolves were picked as many to be an up-and-comer this year that has the potential to grow into a legitimate threat in the West. In fact, in the recently released NBA GM Survey, the Wolves were picked as the team that would be the most improved in 2016-17.

While some have drawn comparisons between the Wolves and the Jazz, many have noted that though they have similarities, Minnesota is still likely a year or two behind what the Jazz’s young core has developed into.

They’ve surely shown that to be true so far given that in the Wolves’ first two contests, they’ve looked much like the Jazz teams of recent years in their inability to close out tightly contested games. Minnesota has lost to the Grizzlies and the Kings by four points and three points, respectively.

https://twitter.com/Timberwolves/status/793253766405447684

In both losses so far this season, Minnesota built huge leads in the first quarter only to falter in the subsequent periods and watch a fourth quarter rally fall short. Both games were on the road, however, and as this team grows and develops this season, we may see them become more and more dangerous as the year progresses.

Nevertheless, with so much development left to undergo, I still believe that Minnesota and Denver will be the two teams grappling for the fourth and fifth place spots in the division while the more experienced Jazz, Blazers and Thunder will do battle for a place at the top of the pack.

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