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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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 19: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers during game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – APRIL 19: Steven Adams #12 of the Oklahoma City Thunder backs down Meyers Leonard #11 of the Portland Trail Blazers during game three of the Western Conference quarterfinals at Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 19, 2019 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

11. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder are an extremely hard team to predict. Although they’re definitely now set to go through a revamp after parting with both of their stars in Paul George and Russell Westbrook, it isn’t really in their DNA to tank or full-on rebuild. As currently constructed, they have pieces that will allow them to stay competitive including Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and returning player Steven Adams.

Even though it appears as if CP3 will indeed be on the roster once the season starts, it doesn’t make sense that he would figure into their long-term plans, so we could very well see him dealt. If he remains for the entire 2019-20 season, though, he’ll do just enough to keep the Thunder competitive, especially alongside the other key vets and promising young guns.

That said, the Thunder simply were too big of losers in a Western Conference arms race that saw several other teams bulk up while OKC lost their two most prolific players. I don’t foresee the likes of Paul, Adams, head coach Billy Donovan or front office magician Sam Presti lying down for anyone, but I still don’t see the Thunder finding a way whatsoever to crack into the playoff mix, at least not for this season.

But regardless of OKC’s fate in 2019-20, they’ve set themselves up beautifully for a massive turnaround thanks to the treasure trove of assets they acquired in the George and Westbrook trades.

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