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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Damian Lillard Portland Trail Blazers Draymond Green

PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 22: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots the ball against Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Three of the Western Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 22, 2017 in Portland, Oregon.(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

8) Portland Trail Blazers

Avg: 7.4, Hi: 5, Low: 11, Aston: 11

The Portland Trail Blazers were one of the pendulum teams of our individual power rankings. While my partner-in-crime Jared Woodcox and others have them making a postseason play again next spring, I currently have them as the No. 11 squad in the West.

Don’t get me wrong, I dig a lot of what’s going on in PDX. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum comprise what is arguably the most potent offensive backcourt duo in the entire league. Also, the move to acquire Jusuf Nurkic in February was a big one for Portland’s future (and present).

Nevertheless, the Blazers did little to improve themselves this summer after barely getting into the playoffs last season. They’ll also face a conference schedule that is more unforgiving than ever.

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