The J-Notes
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Utah Jazz: Way too early predictions for 2019-20 Western Conference standings

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 09: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets tries to drive through the defense Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz in the first half of a NBA game at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 09, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 25, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – MARCH 25: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 25, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

14. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have long been a bottom dweller in the Western Conference, but there are a few reasons why I have them finishing just above the last spot in the West. First of all, they have added some veterans that, while they’re not overly talented, should help make the Suns a slightly better team. Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric and Aron Baynes are all guys that have won at high levels before and have experience the young Suns desperately needed.

Not only that but unlike newly rebuilding teams that are usually less opposed to losses that will lead to better draft situations, I have to imagine the Suns are simply tired of losing by now. Despite season after season of bottoming out, they have been unable to string any sort of resurgence together, and I have to believe that has become pretty tiresome.

In other words, their mix of added veteran leadership, the motivation and chip on their shoulder that they should be playing with after so any dismal seasons, and the continued growth of young studs such as Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton should help them be much more competitive this season.

Unfortunately, even with all that I only have them rising one spot to 14th in the crowded Western Conference.

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