NBA: Way-too-early championship contender rankings for 2021

10. Utah Jazz

Donovan Mitchell emerged as one of the best shooting guards in the world with a playoff explosion against the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Their eventual 3-1 series collapse showcased a bit more enlightenment than realized for the team’s potential new success.

With Bojan Bogdanovic returning as the team’s primary scoring option on the wing, it’s another offensive load removed from Mitchell offensively. And it’s been mentioned Utah is interested in the services of CP3 as well. Paul would be ideal as a lead guard that can be an offensive threat and consistent playmaker allowing Mitchell to play off-ball. Wherever the future decides to take Utah, they have the defensive versatility and role-playing corner shooting to take the next step out West.

Utah is just missing a couple more consistent perimeter scorers to aid Mitchell on the offensive end. Bojan’s return alleviates one hole at the small forward spot scoring-wise. Adding a lead guard upgrade from the declining Mike Conley would do the same.