Utah Jazz: Checking in on preseason team award predictions

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz looks down during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Most Improved Player

Preseason pick: Derrick Favors (Runner-up: Rodney Hood)

Heading into the season, this was one of the hardest predictions I had to make.

Would a now-healthy Derrick Favors claim the title as Utah’s most improved player? Or would Rodney Hood and his new role as Utah’s primary scorer claim that rank?

Now that the dust has settled, the choice seems clear.

Rodney Hood’s inconsistent play and disappointing start to the season led to his eventual benching in order for an up-and-coming rookie to take his spot in the starting lineup. Maybe you have heard of him?

While Hood seemed to improve in his role as Utah’s sixth man, it eventually became clear that he was no longer part of Dennis Lindsey’s long-term plan for the Jazz. As mentioned above, Hood was traded to the Cavs in order to bring in Crowder.

That leads us to the obvious choice for this award…

New Pick: Derrick Favors

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – JANUARY 30: Derrick Favors #15 of the Utah Jazz gestures after a shot during the second half of a game won by the Jazz 129-99 over the Golden State Warriors at Vivint Smart Home Arena on January 30, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /

Despite Favors’ improved play on both ends of the floor and ability to adapt to inconsistent lineups and roles on a seemingly nightly basis, he still found himself at the center of potential trade rumors.

While Favors’ future with the team is still unclear, there is no questioning his talent when healthy. While players like Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell will get most of the credit for Utah’s recent success, Favors has played just as important a role as any Jazzman during their current 11-game winning streak.

Go start the GoFundMe pages for this offseason, Jazz fans. #Stayvors

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