Dec 9, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) defends against New York Knicks forward Kyle O’Quinn (9) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 106-85. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
After years of flying under the radar, the time to recognize Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors is now.
For several years, the tag lines for the Utah Jazz were always things like, “the future is bright,” or “they’ll be good in a couple of years.” While the team continues to boast one of the youngest and most promising cores in the league, that future is now for some of the team’s cornerstone players.
Perhaps no Jazzman has embodied that sentiment more this season than big man Derrick Favors. The oft-overlooked half of Utah’s twin towers is finally getting his due in the national hoops media, as well as on the home front, where the former No. 3 overall pick jokingly offered this response to some praise from Jazz coach Quin Snyder–
Steve Brown: "Derrick, Coach says you're the best defensive player out there right now on this team ..."
— Eric Walden (@tribjazz) December 11, 2015
Favors: "He just figured that out?"
Now, obviously Coach Snyder has undoubtedly been well aware of what Favors brings to the Jazz for some time, but for many, his play this year has been something of a revelation. For my money, no Jazz player has made a stronger case for a spot in the NBA All-Star Game recently than Favors has through 20 games this season.
For the fifth consecutive season, Favors has increased his scoring average–he currently sits at a career best 17.4 points per game. He’s also putting up career high marks in rebounding (8.9 per game) and steals (1.7 per contest). If he continues to produce at these rates, Western Conference coaches should be obliged to give Favors the nod.
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For his part, Favors continues to be humble and will always say the right thing in the press, but even he won’t deny that making the All-Star game has been one of his primary goals this season. Favors spoke openly about this in his most recent post for SportsBlog.com entitled, “Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop!”—
"“One of the goals I set out for myself before the season started was to become an All-Star. Hopefully I’m on the path to reach this goal.”"
While he continues to fly under the radar of some, I think anybody that’s paying attention to Favors would agree that he is on that path. Still, D-Faves’ primary concern remains the success of his team and maintaining a high level work ethic regardless of whether or not he gets the nod in February–
"“I have a goal to become an All-Star. But I can’t control that. Regardless of what happens, I’m going to continue to work hard, play my game and improve. If I make it, I’ll be thrilled. And if I don’t, I’ll be the same hardworking player who will work even harder to chase the goal next year.”"
There are still a lot of games left to be played and a Favors All-Star berth will ultimately rest in the hands of the coaches, but, as it stands now, Favors deserves to be there.
At a certain point, players like Favors need to exchange potential for production. Make no mistake about it, Favors has done so and “next year” is now.