Utah Jazz: The J-Notes’ Western Conference composite power rankings, September edition
By 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d3753337211441978e6caadc0b1eb0fc9864323fe62907600eabd2b4a564feba.jpg)
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.