Derrick Favors made some history on Wednesday night, moving past Paul Millsap to become 10th all time in games played in Utah Jazz franchise history.
John Stockton. Karl Malone. Mark Eaton. Darrell Griffith. Big T Thurl Bailey. Greg Ostertag. Andrei Kirilenko. Bryon Russell. Rickey Green…
A list filled with Utah Jazz greats, and one current great. Yes, Derrick Favors is an iconic Jazzman and I can see him finishing his career in Salt Lake City. Favors played his 541st game with the Jazz on Wednesday night, moving him past Paul Millsap and into 10th on the franchise’s all-time list.
Favors was a teenager when he first arrived to Utah. Now, he’s a 27-year-old grown man with a lengthy track record as a cornerstone piece for the Jazz franchise.
Having to trade away Deron Williams was tough for the organization. They’ve only had one All-Star since the trade, and that guy is playing for the Boston Celtics: Gordon Hayward. Ultimately, the deal had to be done. If they had kept Williams any longer, it would not have ended well for the Jazz. Favors wasn’t even the highlight player the Jazz got in the trade, it was Devin Harris, who was entering his prime years.
In the end, though, Favors was the real prize.
On this historic night for Favors, the Jazz got a much-needed win at home against the Orlando Magic. They trailed by over 20 points at one point, but rallied behind Donovan Mitchell‘s huge game. Favors had eight points and three rebounds.
D-Favs also moved into fifth all time in franchise history in total rebounds, passing Rich Kelley. He very well could pass Greg Ostertag and move into the fourth spot as soon as next game, which is at home against the LeBron-less Los Angeles Lakers.
Congratulations to Favors on this accomplishment. I hope to see him continue to soar up the franchise record books. Loyalty is rare in today’s NBA. Appreciate the loyalty of Derrick Favors, Jazz fans.