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+*
Next: Rodney Hood