Gobert, Favors and Hayward NBA’s Next Big Three?

The “Big Three” is a heavily popular concept that’s been tossed around since LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh all joined forces in the summer of 2010 at South Beach. Since then, the term has been synonymous with championship-caliber squads, as the common notion is that you need three players that could be valued as stars to do so. Do the Utah Jazz posses the NBA’s next Big Three?

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The same goes for his shooting outside of 8 feet, which is a huge testament to the work Favors did with Karl Malone before the 2013/14 season, as he’s grown swiftly into a starting-calibre four since then. This season Favors has extended his game to knock down 36.8% of his shots from this range, which is up from 34.7% one year ago.

If Favors was ever able to grow into a potential member of the Utah Big 3 that he is today, he’d have to cut down on his fouling issues that were prevalent early in his career. Over his first four seasons in the league, he’d average 4.6 fouls per 36 minutes through a combination of lackluster and slow defensive movements, which contributed to less time on the floor.

This season, Favors is only picking up 3 fouls per 36 minutes, which has allowed him to play extended minutes on the court. This is partially due to Rudy Gobert, as Favors is no longer the primary defender of the rim, but Derrick has made an increased effort into going up straight against his opposition and getting into position quicker to make scoring more difficult for his direct opponent.

Gordon Hayward

Gordon Hayward, the undeniable main cog to Utah’s potential big 3 is having a terrific season as the leader of the Jazz. Hayward has stood up to the pressure after signing a huge 4-year, $63 million deal, with an arguable all-star caliber season.

In 34.9 minutes Hayward is scoring 19.5 points per game, as well as posting 4.9 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Among small forwards, this places him 3rd in scoring and assists, while he’s equal 16th in rebounding. He also places 8th in steals (1.4) and 11th in field goal percentage (45.4%) in the position.

Hayward’s innate passing ability makes him the largest threat for Utah on offense. Gordon is unique in pick and roll situations, as even though his natural position is the small forward, he runs the play with the poise of an elite point guard.

With these three in the starting line-up for the Jazz, only good things can happen. Hayward, Favors and Gobert are all still young, and are yet to reach their lofty potentials they’ve set for themselves already

His ability to handle the ball makes this Utah’s automatic go-to play. Hayward’s elite vision allowed him to spot Favors in the above play, slotting the ball through the smallest of gaps to provide the big man with an easy finish.

Hayward’s all-round game on offense, which even includes a terrific shot makes him difficult to stop. He takes his opponents on methodically, usually through the pick and roll. He either then finishes at the rim where he’s able to control his body in mid-air at an elite level to divert around opponents, or make his rivals pay with a deadly step-back shot from mid-range.

Defense was never the strong-point of Hayward’s but it is getting better. Prior to this season the best defensive rating he ever posted was 109, this year he’s down to 106. There’s still a long way to go for Hayward on this side of the floor, but he has made constant improvement, looking to stifle opponents with his long wing-span and athleticism.

Rudy Gobert

It’s a new question that must be answered. If the 2013 draft was re-done today, who would you take as the first pick?

Some might go with Victor Oladipo, while some could choose the Greak Freak.

But the vast majority within NBA circles would now take Rudy Gobert in a heartbeat, the 27th pick in one of the weakest drafts in recent history. Gobert however is a clear bright-point to an otherwise disappointing talent pool.

Mar 12, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) boxes out Houston Rockets forward

Donatas Motiejunas

(20) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

It’s the elite rim protection, the pick and roll defense, the blocked shots. Everything about the Stifle Tower (the greatest nickname in the league today) on defense screams to me as being an elite player. When we consider that he’s still 22 and in his second year, the possibilities are endless for Gobert.

It’s been largely accomplished through the work of the NBA’s next Big Three

When it comes to rim protection, Gobert’s impact in the paint is remarkable. He saves the most points at the rim per 36 minutes, saving 4.16, almost one whole point above Andrew Bogut (3.24), the next on the list. Next, he only allows opponents to shoot 38% at the rim, a phenomenal statistic, as he makes entering the paint daunting and difficult for opponents.

To combine with Gobert’s rim protecting ability is his frequent ability to deflect shots. Gobert is second in the league for blocks per 48 minutes with 4.67, only just behind John Henson with 4.83 per game, another player with an insane wingspan.

His offensive game is raw and limited to within 5 feet of the rim, but boy it can be fun. Gobert’s work out of the pick and roll to come up with easy dunks happens frequently. Gobert sets tough screens that are difficult for players to get around, then rolls quickly to the rim. It’s the sheer mix of length, strength and speed for a big man that has him score 1.16 points per possessions as the screener.

Gobert has an offensive rating of 123, while his defensive rating is equally impressive at 95 points per 100 possessions.

Utah just needs consistent guard play, and they’ll be great. Dante Exum is worth waiting on, while it remains to be seen how good Alec Burks will be when he returns.

The Jazz are beginning to form an identity thanks hugely to these three. On defense, they’ve held 12 of 13 opponents to 100 points or below, dating back to February 9.

It’s been largely accomplished through the work of the NBA’s next Big Three.