Midseason Grades For Every Utah Jazz Player

Dec 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up prior to their game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) warms up prior to their game against the Toronto Raptors at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
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Derrick Favors Utah Jazz Steven Adams OKC
Mar 24, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) fights for position against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the first quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors has really struggled physically during the 2016-17 campaign. He’s already missed 15 games this season and is averaging just 9.2 points and 5.9 rebounds per contest. He’s also shooting a career-low 45 percent from the field.

That said, Favors is beginning to come around a bit. Over his last four games, he’s put up 12.3 points per contest and the Jazz are outscoring opponents by nearly 16 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor. He’s not yet the D-Faves of old, but he’s getting closer to it.

Like Exum and Burks, the lack of actual court time makes it a little hard to gauge his season. He’s been pretty out of sync for much of the year, but he’s definitely trending in the right direction with his play.

It’s a good thing too — the Jazz are going to need his presence (especially on defense) when the game slows down and gets more physical in the playoffs. As for his first-half performance, I’m giving him a passing grade with an asterisk (and the potential for better things going forward).

Grade: C+*

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