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

Ryan Aston|
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)
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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DeMarcus Cousins Anthony Davis New Orleans Pelicans
NEW ORLEANS, LA – APRIL 02: Anthony Davis #23 of the New Orleans Pelicans and DeMarcus Cousins #0 react during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center on April 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

11) New Orleans Pelicans

Avg: 11.1, Hi: 9, Low: 12, Aston: 9

There’s no denying that the New Orleans Pelicans have two elite-level players in Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Meanwhile, Jrue Holiday and Rajon Rondo form one of the league’s longest, most intriguing backcourt duos; flawed though the pairing may be.

Nevertheless, the Pelicans are far from a shoe-in for a postseason appearance next season. The West is simply that good and questions abound despite their bold deal-making.

At the top of my personal list of queries is whether Cousins will ever gain maturity to match his physical talents. I also wonder why New Orleans has been unable to recover post-CP3 despite Davis playing at an MVP level. If they can ever put it together, though, the Pels could really do some damage.

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