Utah and Denver have been the teams to beat in the Northwest Division for years, but there is a new contender around now. The youthful Portland Trail Blazers haven't been to the playoffs since the 2002-03 season, but don't be surprised if they end that drought this season.

Portland was a decent team a year ago despite fading down the stretch to finish right at .500. Add to that team the best, can't-miss center to come around in years in Greg Oden and the Blazers are on the verge of becoming a Northwest Division power for years to come. Oden, who sat out last year recovering from surgery, is joined by star guard Brandon Roy and power forward LaMarcus Aldridge as the nucleus of a possible up-and-coming NBA contender.

Then again, the two-time defending champion Jazz aren't an old bunch, either. Assuming the Jazz can keep a solid core around Deron Williams, look for a renewed rivalry between Utah and Portland to begin to flourish for years.

Here's a team-by-team look at the Northwest Division in predicted order of finish:

UTAH JAZZ

Last season: 54-28, lost to the Lakers in the second round

Top player: Deron Williams. He has embraced his role as the new face of the Jazz by living in Utah year round and becoming a regular at local charitable events. Plus, the 6-3 guard and gold medalist can play. He averaged 18.8 points and 10.5 assists last season.

Supporting cast: Power forward Carlos Boozer (21.1 points, 10.4 rebounds) may opt out of Utah following this season, but for now he'll enjoy getting the ball right where he likes it from D-Will. Mehmet Okur (14.5, ppg, 7.7 assists) and Ronnie Brewer (12.0 ppg, 1.7 spg) have looked good and are expected to produce even more this year. Andrei Kirilenko will give the Jazz a spark off the bench along with Kyle Korver, Paul Millsap and, when he gets healthy, Matt Harpring.

Bottom line: Jerry Sloan's no-nonsense team is the clear favorite to win a third straight division crown.

PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS

Last season: 41-41, missed playoffs

Top player: Brandon Roy. The 2006-07 rookie of the year did not have a sophomore slump. He averaged 19.1 points, 5.8 assists and 4.7 rebounds.