Utah Jazz: The J-Notes' Western Conference power rankings

Utah Jazz: The J-Notes’ Western Conference composite power rankings, September edition

By Ryan Aston | Sep 18, 2017

HOUSTON, TX - JULY 14: The Houston Rockets introduces Chris Paul as he speaks to the media during a press conference on July 14, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – JULY 12: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder speaks to fans and media during a media event on July 12, 2017 at the Jones Assembly Hall in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4) Oklahoma City Thunder

Avg: 3.6, Hi: 2, Low: 4, Aston: 4

Even if it ends up being a one-year loaner until he bolts for the Lakers, OKC’s move to bring in Paul George was a dandy. Clearly, they’re pulling out all the stops to get back to the top of the conference and make a strong pitch to keep Russell Westbrook with the Thunder.

Couple that with bringing in veterans Patrick Patterson and Raymond Felton (who will either flop out of the league or be one of the game’s best backup guards) and a strong presence on the sidelines in Billy Donovan and the Thunder have officially re-inserted themselves into the short list of legit contenders.

Long-term, I don’t think this ends well for Oklahoma City (and maybe that’s karma for what went down in Seattle). In the meantime, the Thunder are going to produce some exciting basketball.

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