The Northwest Division is home to some rebuilding clubs and one team with a legit chance of returning to the NBA Finals.
The Northwest Division produced just one playoff team last year, and almost no one is expecting the division champion Portland Trail Blazers to return to the postseason. In fact, while Portland stands a slim chance, only one team in this division poses a real threat at doing so, the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Denver Nuggets are in the first stages of a rebuild with the keys handed off to No. 7 overall pick Emmanuel Mudiay. Mudiay slipped in the draft but initially had been considered a top-three pick.
The Utah Jazz were a vastly improved team but seem to lack the horses to get over the hump, at least so far. Their stellar second half of the season has to prove itself over 82 games still. The Minnesota Timberwolves are chock full of young talent, but not many are giving the club a chance this early in its rebuild.
So, while most eyes will be watching to see how these teams rebuild, there is no such notion in Oklahoma City, where Billy Donovan is hoping to return the team to the Finals for the first time since 2012.
Next: Mudiay Waters