Utah Jazz: Seven New Year’s resolutions for the team in 2018

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 15: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz is introduced before the game against the Boston Celtics on December 15, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 15: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz is introduced before the game against the Boston Celtics on December 15, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Utah Jazz Derrick Favors Trade Faves
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – DECEMBER 30: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz dunks the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 30, 2017 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images)

6) Feature Derrick Favors

So, I love Derrick Favors. He’s the only current Jazzman whose jersey hangs in my closet and he’s been a really good player for the brunt of his seven-year run in Utah. Unfortunately, we’ve probably reached the end of the road for his partnership with the Jazz.

Favors’ pairing with Rudy Gobert was imperfect at the best of times. The addition of Ricky Rubio has further served to complicate the issue — the trio has a net rating of minus-16.3 in 237 minutes together this season.

With the roster being what it is, the Jazz just aren’t getting the most out of Favors or their offensive attack. And, for his part, Faves is playing second fiddle when he’s still good enough to be a featured big. He’s putting up a 12.7-6.6 line for the Jazz, but could probably get back to 16 and eight (and 30-plus minutes a night) with the right team.

With the end in sight, the Jazz need to utilize Gobert’s continued absence to showcase Favors’ talents and, when the trade deadline approaches, get the best deal possible for him.

Next: No. 5