The J-Notes
Fansided

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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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up on the court before a semifinal game of the 2019 NBA Summer League against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JULY 14: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans warms up on the court before a semifinal game of the 2019 NBA Summer League against the Memphis Grizzlies at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 14, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

9. New Orleans Pelicans

Perhaps I’m buying far too much into the Zion Williamson hype or maybe I just really love Derrick Favors, but I believe the New Orleans Pelicans could be really solid next year. Along with Favors, they added veteran sharpshooter J.J. Redick who could be a revolutionary addition, and they return point guard Jrue Holiday who is coming off arguably the best season of his NBA career.

All told, the Pelicans undoubtedly have an exciting team and may even have a team talented enough to push for a playoff spot. Their well-crafted mix of young guys, including those that were a part of the Anthony Davis trade in Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Josh Hart, combined with the solid vets could result in them being far better than expected right away.

The new-look team appears perfectly crafted for Alvin Gentry’s offensive system, so don’t be surprised if they end up more daunting than many are projecting. Even so, I have them just outside of the playoff mix, not so much due to fault of their own, but more so because the West is simply so deep and crowded.

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