With the Western Conference likely losing one of its perennial playoff contenders in the Portland Trail Blazers, who have had a massive overhaul prepping for the loss of star LaMarcus Aldridge, the Utah Jazz have been the team that has popped up most as likely to be in contention for that eighth spot.

Although it would be, perhaps, a surprise to fans who only follow national games, scribes like John Schuhmann, who has Utah ranked 15th in his current power rankings, are not allowing themselves to be caught off guard by the young, talented squad. Other notable rankings include ESPN’s Marc Stein (13th) and CBS’s Matt Moore (16th, which might be a little low considering Phoenix is 14th).

This situation reminds me of the 2009-2010 Oklahoma City Thunder, who surprised everyone when they burst out to a 50-32 record, and challenged the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers to a six game series. Just the previous year, they were only 23-59, quite a substantial improvement to have. However, the power rankings from Bleacher Report and CBS show that they weren’t expected to do much.

Obviously they exceeded expectations.

Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

I believe the Utah Jazz can do the same. Although the Jazz are missing franchise talents on the roster like Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, the makeup of the team is similar to last year’s Atlanta Hawks. Everyone in the rotation can contribute to the team’s ability to win games. There are no Kendrick Perkins or Derek Fishers on the squad that hold back the rotation. The team’s weakest position last year, point guard, is quite likely to improve as both guards in the rotation are young and talented.

There are numerous posts out there speculating the likely improvement of the Utah Jazz, including one I have previously written. Perhaps, when the NBA releases its schedule for the regular season, the national TV games will reflect the Jazz’s likely playoff ventures. But for now, the preseason schedule has just been released and we’re stuck in the slow, dreary part of the offseason.

Meanwhile, you can watch the last two minutes of an exciting playoff game and remember the atmosphere. Be excited, Jazz fans, be excited.