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NBA 2016-17 forecast: Northwest Division

By Brian Boake

May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts (right) instructs guard C.J. McCollum (3) against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts (right) instructs guard C.J. McCollum (3) against the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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 UTAH JAZZ

Last season: 40 -42

This season: 44 – 38

Sometimes you knock at the door, and it takes a little while to open. The rebuilding, or perhaps rebuilt, Jazz have been just outside the playoff picture the past 3 seasons. I think they are in the postseason this time.

Utah has a compelling mix of youth and veterans. In the latter camp is the versatile Gordon Hayward, as consistent as they come. Joe Johnson has moved to Salt Lake City, as has Boris Diaw. Both of them can still contribute. I’m not a George Hill fan, but he has some value as a play-within-his-limits point guard.

Dec 3, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends against Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) defends against Toronto Raptors forward Terrence Ross (31) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

The kids are led by the Stifle Tower, Rudy Gobert, who’s a major force in the paint. Rodney Hood and Derrick Favors will make their presence felt. Dante Exum might be ready. The biggest X-factor of them all is power forward Trey Lyles. If he steps up, this team’s depth will be hard to match.

There’s enough proven firepower combined with quick and aggressive defense to convince me this year’s Jazz is ready.

Next: Blazing a Trail to the top

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