6. Derrick Favors
Age: 25
2015-2016 Season Averages: 16.4 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 blocks, 1.2 steals
Shooting Percentages: .515/.000/.709
The Utah Jazz have built a roster that appears ready to make some noise in the Western Conference. Derrick Favors is a big reason for that.
The Atlanta native was the centerpiece of the deal that sent Deron Williams to the Nets, and the Jazz have to be happy with their return. Favors has quietly become one of the best young big men in the NBA, steadily getting better every season.
Favors has an old-school skill set with new-school athleticism. His ability to finish off of the pick-and-roll is among the best in the NBA, as his shooting in traffic is exceptional. Favors also has a solid handle in the post that allows him to get to the basket, particularly with his spin move. His strength on the block is also key in his attack, as he is capable of bullying opposing bigs until he gets under the rim for a dunk. He is still developing his jumper, but his inside game is as good as it gets.
The defensive ability is also very solid for Favors. He is a terrific athlete at 6’10”, 265 pounds and can guard bigs on the inside and on the perimeter. His leaping ability allows him to be a solid shot blocker while also being able to disrupt shots at a high level. Favors’ size and athleticism combo make him capable of guarding either power forwards or centers.
Favors’ strength really bodes well for him on the glass. He can grab boards in hurry, as he is capable of pushing around anyone in order to get to the glass. His 2.7 offensive rebounds per game for Utah was good, and he can grow even more as he continues to develop.
Favors is among the most underrated players in the NBA, largely due to his place on a small-market team. But market size does not dictate a player’s skills, as the young Favors certainly deserves to be this high on this list. And with more time, could climb even higher.
Next: No. 5: The Hollywood Star