Utah Jazz: 2018-19 NBA season preview
By KC Whitten
Storyline 3: Derrick Favors’ future
The future of Derrick Favors could be the leading storyline in Salt Lake City in 2018-19. Although the Jazz did re-sign him over the summer to a two-year contract, the second year of the agreement is non-guaranteed.
There’s no doubt that Favors’ offensive production has declined the past two years. After averaging a career high 16.4 points per game in 2015-16, he has averaged only 10.9 points per game the past two seasons.
Though the duo of Favors and Gobert has proven to be a formidable force in the frontcourt, it’s yet to be proven if a traditional frontcourt can win a championship in the modern NBA. The elite teams in the league have stretch-4s who can shoot the 3-ball, something Favors is unlikely to ever become.
Though the Jazz finished in the top-10 in 3-point percentage last season, they were in the middle of the pack in attempts. Utah had only three players make 100 or more 3s last year, one of whom was Rodney Hood, traded away to the Cleveland Cavaliers in February.
Favors is a fan favorite in Utah, but clearly the organization is unsure if a Gobert/Favors frontcourt can compete with the Warriors and Rockets. His future in Salt Lake City is likely to be a leading talking point throughout the season.