Derrick Favors: Matchup Nightmare

Mar 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks center Cole Aldrich (45) defends against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 87-82. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

I’m thinking Gordon Hayward needs to record a remix of his now infamous, and absolutely fire hip-hop song, “Too Big Yo” and add a guest appearance by Derrick Favors. Because that’s exactly what Derrick Favors is — too big, yo.

He’s also too strong, too quick, too crafty and too skilled. Simply put, he’s become a matchup nightmare for opposing defenders. Don’t believe me? Check the numbers he’s put up since the All-Star Break. He’s torching dudes.
With the absence of Enes Kanter and the insertion of Rudy Gobert in the Jazz’s starting lineup, Favors is thriving. He’s back to playing power forward, a position he’s better suited for than center, and he’s now the go-to-guy in the post. He’s also reaping the benefits of being the featured big on the pick-and-roll.

The defense is flourishing with the new frontcourt as well, but we’ve already covered that ad nauseam. I’ll spare you in this post.

Since Derrick joined the Jazz as a result of the Deron Williams trade, he’s been brimming with potential — a veritable mix of “what ifs” and “I cant wait untils.” Now all that potential is coming to fruition.

It’s taken five years and critics have come down on Derrick, because his rise to stardom has been less meteoric and more glacial. He’s needed to time to grow and mature — both physically and mentally. But now, that’s all glacier water under the bridge. Consider this season Derrick’s breakout. He’s giving the Jazz 16.4 points a night with a 23.2 percent usage rate, both career highs. He’s also increased his field goal percent and efficiency. Based on John Hollinger’s latest analysis, Favors’ 22.77 PER is third among power forwards, trailing only superstars Blake Griffin and Anthony Davis.

What’s even more impressive is just how dependable Derrick has been all season. You can almost always pencil him in somewhere around 20 points and 10 boards every night. And no matter who’s guarding him, he’s going to get his.

At 6’10” and 260 pounds, Derrick Favors has always been a monster. Pair that with elite athleticism, tenacity and a well-established work ethic and you have a recipe for success. The biggest difference now from when he first came in the league, is that he’s no longer relying on brute strength and athleticism to get buckets. All that hard work is beginning to pay off.

His confidence is high and his touch is buttery. He’s also steadily increasing an already burgeoning post game

Derrick’s midrange game is now a legitimate piece of his repertoire. He’s extended his range out to around the 17-foot mark. His confidence is high and his touch is buttery. He’s also steadily improving and increasing an already burgeoning post game.

Take for example, his game against the Memphis Grizzlies from two weeks ago. It didn’t matter who was guarding Derrick — Zach Randolph, Kosta Koufos or Marc Gasol — he couldn’t be stopped in the post. Derrick poured in 21 points, displaying a fantastic mix of on-the-block turnaround jumpers, pick-and-roll layups, and some brilliant drop step and up-and-under moves — no doubt picked up from former Jazz big and mentor, Al Jefferson.

An even better example of Derrick’s full offensive arsenal was on display in last week’s win against the New York Knicks. Throughout the game, Derrick put on a power forward clinic, notching 29 points and 12 rebounds. He bullied Lou Amundson and Andrea Bargnani on the low block, left Cole Aldrich in the dust multiple times with some dazzling post moves, and when that wasn’t enough, he stepped out and let his midrange game put in work.

Look, I know it was against the Knicks, who are a dumpster fire, but you can’t deny the ability. Try it and I will have to fight you and I don’t want to have to fight you.

The fact is, Favors has become too big and too strong for stretch and undersized power forwards (Lou Almundson, Markieff Morris, etc.) and too quick for bulky, lumbering centers (Nikola Pekovic, Brook Lopez, etc). He’s also becoming more and more skilled as time goes by. All of these elements are combining to create a player that will be the cause of countless headaches and cold sweats.

And at 23-years old, the best is yet to come.

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