While he hasn’t officially made the Utah Jazz team yet, Stanton Kidd has a fighting chance. In doing so, he’ll be wearing jersey No. 15.
Out of all the numbers available… Utah Jazz forward Stanton Kidd just had to choose jersey No. 15.
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The wound of losing Derrick Favors this offseason is still fresh for many Jazz fans, myself included. The kid that arrived to Utah in exchange for Deron Williams really grew on the fanbase. His sacrifice, attitude and loyalty will certainly be missed.
Jazz fans, especially after this summer, know that the NBA is a business. In a perfect world, Favors is still a member of the Utah Jazz. Where he belongs. Where his No. 15 jersey could hang in the rafters one day.
Kidd taking that number significantly lowers the chances of that number being retired, unless Favors returns for a second stint with the team. Which definitely could happen in the future. Utah loves Favors and Favors loves Utah.
In all seriousness, this isn’t a big deal. While watching Kidd may bring back some Favors memories, we can’t get on him for choosing that number. In fact, we should all be rooting for Kidd, as his journey to get to this point has been nothing short of inspiring.
Undrafted in 2015, Kidd has bounced around professionally from Germany to Belgium to Turkey. He impressed the Jazz during the 201 and ’19 NBA Summer Leagues, the latter of which he averaged about eight points per game. Kidd didn’t shoot the ball well, but he worked hard and as long as you work hard, you have a chance.
Kidd’s battle to make the team will begin very soon. He’ll be fighting for the 15th roster spot with guys like William Howard, Juwan Morgan and Trevon Bluiett. Kidd and Howard have higher guarantees, and are the likely two that the final roster spot will come down to.
One thing’s for sure, Kidd will give it everything he’s got. In Derrick Favors’ number.