Utah Jazz: 2017-18 player grades for Derrick Favors
By Mason McFee
Derrick Favors’ eighth season recently ended at the hands of the Houston Rockets. Here’s a look at his 2017-18 player grades.
Derrick Favors was selected third overall by the New Jersey Nets back in 2010. Favors hasn’t had the most illustrious career, but to have a skill-set that mainly mirrors that of a traditional big man and still be in this small-ball league (and as a starter, at that), well … that’s quite the accomplishment.
As already mentioned, Favors was a high selection, and being a high selection often comes with high expectations. During his brief time with the Nets, the expectations on Favors weren’t that high, allowing him to be acclimated to the grind of the NBA. When the Utah Jazz traded for him in exchange for star point guard Deron Williams, expectations grew. Fortunately for Favors (and Utah fans), he’s delivered.
During his eight years in Utah, Favors holds averages of 12.1 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game. Considering the fact that Favors didn’t crack double-digit starts in a season until his fourth season in Salt Lake City, those averages are pretty impressive.
This past season, Favors put of averages of 12.3 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game — all right around his career averages. Those numbers dropped a bit during Utah’s postseason run to 9.3 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. Some of the dip in production can be attributed to rookie sensation Donovan Mitchell‘s emergence, but for Favors and Utah fans, the numbers were a bit disappointing.
Derrick Favors is certainly a starting-caliber player in this league, but taking an in-depth look at his 2017-18 season can help paint a picture if Utah will look to retain him for the long haul.