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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SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 25: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs gets a high five from teammate LaMarcus Aldridge #12 after drawing a foul from the Denver Nuggets during Game Six of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 25, 2019 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX – APRIL 25: DeMar DeRozan #10 of the San Antonio Spurs gets a high five from teammate LaMarcus Aldridge #12 after drawing a foul from the Denver Nuggets during Game Six of the first round of the 2019 NBA Western Conference Playoffs at AT&T Center on April 25, 2019 in San Antonio, 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. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

8. San Antonio Spurs

It’s always tempting to bet against the San Antonio Spurs and suggest that perhaps this season is the one where they fail to make the postseason. But with Gregg Popovich at the helm, that’s simply an assumption that is never safe to make. The Spurs were a dang good team last year, overcoming some ups and downs in the regular season to nearly knock off the two-seeded Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.

They should be much-improved in 2019-20 as DeMar DeRozan now has a season of Coach Pop’s system under his belt and continuity playing alongside LaMarcus Aldridge and Rudy Gay. Not only that, but the formerly injured defensive ace Dejounte Murray should be back in action and guys like Derrick White, Lonnie Walker and Bryn Forbes should only continue to improve.

If they all mesh nicely and continue their internal improvements, selecting the Spurs to finish eighth could end up being a disrespectful projection as, especially under Popovich’s leadership, they’ll have a chance to finish much higher. Nevertheless, given some of their team’s shortcomings, particularly when compared to the star-studded groups surrounding them throughout the conference, I’d say the eighth seed and a playoff spot are very justifiable predictions.

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