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NBA Power Rankings: The Regular Season Begins

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 20, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) prepares to shoot over Cleveland Cavaliers forwards LeBron James (23) and Kevin Love (0) at Value City Arena. Cleveland won the game 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 20, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) prepares to shoot over Cleveland Cavaliers forwards LeBron James (23) and Kevin Love (0) at Value City Arena. Cleveland won the game 107-98. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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October 19, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz guard Gordon Hayward (20) scores a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Utah Jazz. 25. team. 118. Meet the Orlando Magic of the Western Conference. The Jazz have a young core, but unlike the Magic, we have a much better idea of where they’re heading. Unfortunately for Utah basketball fans, it doesn’t appear the future is quite as bright in Salt Lake City. I’m actually a fan of Gordon Hayward’s game, but I’ll still be the 10 millionth person this summer to acknowledge that he’s not ever going to be the No. 1 option on a real contender. <p> </p> <p>It’s not just about Hayward’s gaudy contract, though. Derrick Favors didn’t excel in the starting role last summer like we all thought he would. Enes Kanter shrank from the spotlight, got relegated to bench duty in the second half of the season and may spend this season constantly looking over his shoulder at the improving Rudy Gobert. Alec Burks is better than he’s given credit for, but I’m not sure he’s a starting shooting guard in this league. Finally, I don’t know what to expect from Trey Burke and rookie Dante Exum on a night-to-night basis. Unless Quin Snyder turns the Jazz into the 2013-14 Phoenix Suns, Utah will once again be at the bottom of the West.</p>. --. Previous:

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