Utah Jazz Media Day: Derrick Favors is working to adapt his game

Utah Jazz big man Derrick Favors wants to become a better fit with the team and in the modern NBA by transforming his body and evolving his game.

When Derrick Favors stepped to the podium during Utah Jazz media day, he made clear the fact that it wasn’t his first rodeo. Unprompted, the big man gave the assembled media a litany of sound bits, including:

• He’s happy to have his deal and be back with the Jazz.
• He and Rudy Gobert can co-exist.
• He can be a better 3-point shooter.
• The team has been working hard all summer and is looking forward to the year.
• Donovan Mitchell‘s meteoric rise caught him by surprise.

It was about as efficient as a player could ever be at a presser, knocking out all the big questions in a one fell swoop. Favors later mused that he’s heard every question there is over the years. Jokes aside, though, the questions about his perimeter game and fit with Gobert — on both sides of the ball — are big ones, and Favors isn’t content to leave them to chance.

He’s doing what he can to solidify his fit next to Gobert and in the modern NBA at large by transforming his body and seeking the next evolution in his game.

Favors was happy to report that he’s currently tipping the scales at 250-255 pounds after playing at 265 for most of last season. The weight loss came as a result of his workouts and an informed decision to change his diet.

Of course, a leaner physique will help Favors tremendously in a league where big men are asked to switch out onto guards with greater frequency. If he can keep himself from consistently getting caught flat-footed by smaller, quicker players, he’ll make for a better frontcourt combination with Gobert down low.

Offensively, the weight loss could make him a more mobile and versatile player in a Jazz system that relies heavily on motion and ball movement. To that end, his efforts to become a better 3-point shooter are also key.

He may never be Utah’s answer to Dirk Nowitzki, but there’s definitely room and potential for improvement. Last season, Favors attempted a career-high 63 3-pointers, but only knocked them down at a 22 percent clip.

If he can up his attempts and get that percentage into the 30s, it could open up opportunities for Gobert on the inside and create driving lanes for the likes of Mitchell and Dante Exum. Even as NBA defenses work to mitigate space and pace by switching everything defensively, the ability to stretch the floor remains among the most important facets to a successful offense.

Favors’ size and rim-finishing are huge assets, but adding new wrinkles will make him a better end-game option for Jazz coach Quin Snyder.

The Association has changed a lot since Favors entered the league as a rookie in 2010, but the 27-year-old is putting in the work to ensure he doesn’t become a relic from a bygone age. Time will tell if that work translates to on-floor success, but D-Faves’ physical transformation will definitely aid in the effort.