Northwest Division: Jazz and Nuggest should cruise past other division foes

There is no question that the Northwest Division has been the weakest in the NBA's Western Conference the past couple of years. It probably will be again this season.

But it won't always be that way. An ultra-successful draft lottery — with Portland and Seattle landing the top two picks — means things are looking up in the Northwest. The Blazers selected Greg Oden with the Sonics landing Kevin Durant and both are projected to be franchise players in the NBA.

Unfortunately, Oden is out for the season, having recently had knee surgery, but Portland still has several young, talented players led by last season's Rookie of the Year Brandon Roy.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves are rebuilding and have a new look now that the longtime face of the franchise, Kevin Garnett, is in Boston. The Jazz and the Nuggets are still the cream of the crop. They will battle it out for the division title and will likely be the the only two teams that will earn playoff spots again this season.

1. UTAH JAZZ

2006-07 RECORD: 51-31

DIVISION FINISH: first, lost to San Antonio 4-1 in the conference finals

COACH: Jerry Sloan, 20th season with Jazz

TOP ROOKIES: G-F Morris Almond, C Kyrylo Fesenko

KEY ADDITIONS: G Jason Hart, G Ronnie Price

KEY LOSSES: G Derek Fisher

STRENGTHS: Deron Williams showed he is now among the elite point guards in the game during his second season, leading the team to an improbable playoff run to the conference finals. PF Carlos Boozer and C Mehmet Okur are coming off All-Star seasons. Utah is experienced now, yet its oldest starter (Okur) is just 28.

CONCERNS: Utah needs to find a shooting guard who can produce on both sides of the ball after letting Fisher out of his contract. Ronnie Brewer looks like he'll get the first chance. Also, the health of super-sub Matt Harpring is a concern. He didn't play at all in the preseason while recovering from surgery. Kirilenko seems content — for now — after his trade demands just prior to camp, but that's a situation that could blow up at any time.

2. DENVER NUGGETS

2006-07 RECORD: 45-37

DIVISION FINISH: second, lost to San Antonio 4-1 in the first round of the playoffs

COACH: George Karl, fourth season with Nuggets