Derrick Favors can reach historic Utah Jazz milestone next season

After re-signing with the Utah Jazz, Derrick Favors will likely move into 10th all-time in games played in franchise history next season.

Remember when the Utah Jazz acquired that 19-year old kid from the New Jersey Nets in exchange for Deron Williams? That was almost eight years ago. Now, Derrick Favors is a grown man physically and mentally, and on the cusp of reaching legendary status in Utah.

Loyalty has become less and less of a priority in today’s NBA. Look at Kawhi Leonard, for instance. Did we ever envision the quiet superstar to force his way out of San Antonio? Did we expect Kyrie Irving to threaten the Cleveland Cavaliers before being traded to the Boston Celtics? Thankfully for the Utah Jazz, Favors is as loyal as they come. Even after the Jazz put him on the trade block, he stayed professional and ultimately stayed in Salt Lake City.

Favors has played in 500 career regular season games for the Jazz. Barring a major injury, Favors will likely pass former Jazzman and current Denver Nuggets star Paul Millsap in games played in Utah Jazz history. Millsap played in 540 games for Utah. That being said, it’ll take exactly half of next season to pass Millsap.

If Favors stays beyond next season, he will likely pass Rickey Green and Bryon Russell and move into eighth all-time in games played. He’s not a legend league-wide, but he’s a legend in Utah and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see the number 15 jersey hanging up in the rafters one day.

D-Favs has a chance to have another solid season for the Jazz. He was so reliable last season, playing in 77 games and shooting a career-high 56.3 percent from the field. It’ll be interesting to see how effective his 3-point shot will become. During the season exit interviews, Favors almost seemed like a proud parent, if his 3-point shot was his kid. He’s really worked hard on developing that shot and adapting to the new NBA.

Considering he’s an absolute beast in the paint, an effective shot will make him even tougher to guard. Just look what he did against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the first round: 20 points, 16 rebounds, two 3-pointers.

So, Jazz fans, be sure to appreciate Favors next season. It could be his last with the Jazz, since his contract is heavily non-guaranteed for the 2019-20 season. Nonetheless, it will be very cool and satisfying knowing that 19-year old kid from Atlanta will rank in the top 10 all-time in games played in franchise history.