NBA: Way-too-early playoff predictions for the 2021-22 season

15 of 18

NBA Utah Jazz Donovan Mitchell (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

6. Utah Jazz

I think the Utah Jazz took everyone by surprise last season. Not many expected them to finish with the best record in the West. Though, they kind of disappointed in the postseason. Because of that, I’m not sold on their ability to replicate their regular-season success from last season.

It may come off as a surprise to see the Jazz in the sixth seed but I believe that other teams in the West are set up for more success next season. That’s not to take away from how talented this team is on its own.

Donovan Mitchell is great and will continue to get better, Rudy Gobert is a great defender but limited as an offensive player, and they might be the deepest team in the West. Still, I can’t take this team as a serious threat. Not yet.