Utah Jazz: Derrick Favors Ready To Lead Jazz Back To Playoffs

Oct 25, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

It’s expected for the Utah Jazz to have a rough season this year. They’re really young and lack a true go-to star. Though, Derrick Favors — the team’s apparent new leader — is embracing said role and is already tying in high expectations for the team. Maybe not for this season, but in the near future.

"[via NBA.com]“I expect to be a leader on the court. I want to lead this team back to the playoffs and, hopefully, one day, to a championship,” Favors said at a news conference Monday announcing his four-year contract extension."

Favors was recently given a four-year, $49 million extension. It’s clear that the Jazz view Favors as a big part of Utah’s future, though, it still has yet to be seen if he can be a star in this league. This will be the first season that he will enter as the starter, let’s see if he can back up these quotes by producing like a star should.

Favors averaged 9.4 points and 7.1 rebounds last season, but again, he was not the starter. Those numbers should be much higher this season.

The Jazz open the season on Wednesday against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Salt Lake City.