NBA: 7 random thoughts heading into the 2018-19 season

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 18: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz battles his way around Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half of Game 2 of the Western Conference playoffs at the Chesapeake Energy Arena on April 18, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by J Pat Carter/Getty Images)

I think the Jazz might be the second-best team in the West

Looking at the hierarchy in the Western Conference, there are a handful of teams that will be gunning for second in the conference. The Golden State Warriors will be the best team in the West, no question.

Who will be their biggest threats? That’s the real question, and while most believe it’ll be the Houston Rockets, I can’t count out the Utah Jazz. Led by Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz surprised many last season by knocking off the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs.

Even though they fell at the hands of the Rockets in the second round in five games, they did more than many believed they would after losing Gordon Hayward in free agency.

The Jazz already have one of the NBA’s stingiest defenses, and if their offense can get a bit of a bump this season, they could really take the next step in the Western Conference’s hierarchy.