Apr 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) defends against Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) during the first half at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
7. Derrick Favors, Utah Jazz
6’10” 246 lbs, 24-years-old
2014-2015 Stats: 16.0 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.8 spg, 1.7 bpg, 53% FG, 67% FT, 21.8 PER
Derrick Favors may very well be the most underrated player in the entire NBA. Not long ago he was considered a bust, but now at a mere 24-years-old, he has cemented himself as one of the best young talents in the NBA.
Offensively, he has made major strides. He was 15th in the NBA with field goals made and 14th in the entire league in PER. He has stretched his range out to 15 feet and has shown an ability to consistently knock down mid-range jump shots.
His biggest impact is that his usage rate has improved every year. The Utah Jazz stand a great chance to make the playoffs this season and Favors plays a major role in that. People do not talk about him nearly as much as they should. With teammates Rudy Gobert and Gordon Hayward getting a lot of credit, Favors flies under the radar.
His strength and ferocity around the rim is something that is becoming a true rarity in the modern NBA. With post presences dwindling, he could be one of the last true old school big men left in the NBA. He is stellar defensively and his offensive game is starting to head up the charts.
If his development continues, he could be one of the best young stars in the NBA. People may not mention him when talking about great young stars, but that is a mistake. He may be under the radar now, but be prepared for him to step out and show everyone just how talented he is.
Next: No. 6