The Utah Jazz are ready to take the next step in their development this season. In a changing Western Conference, they may be the biggest threat to the Golden State Warriors.

There is no denying the firepower the Golden State Warriors have managed to accumulate on their roster.

They possess two of the top three players in the NBA in Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry, while Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are in the conversation for best players at their respective positions.

Heading into the 2016-17 season, it would be silly to suggest any other team is the title favorite. That being said, one of the biggest threats to a Warriors’ title may come from within their conference.

The Utah Jazz were not a playoff team last season. Despite having the seventh-best defensive rating in the NBA, the team wasn’t able to muster up enough scoring to make it into the playoffs.

That being said, it should be noted that both Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert missed significant time last season. Had they have stayed healthy, they likely would have been a playoff team.

While it’s unlikely that any team will knock off the Warriors if everything goes to plan, the Utah Jazz may have the right combination of players to push them. If everything breaks their way, the young Jazz team could even put themselves in position to pull off a monumental upset.

There are several reasons why the Jazz could present themselves as the Warriors stiffest western competition. Here are some of the reasons why you should take the Jazz seriously: