Derrick Favors Interview

By Sam Littman

The NBA was shaken up in a major way on February 23 when the Jazz sent All-Star point guard Deron Williams to the Nets for Derrick Favors, Devin Harris and two first round picks. As Williams has grabbed the most headlines this week, rookie Derrick Favors has received relatively little attention. A 6 foot10 inch 250 pound forward with explosive athleticism and a wingspan comparable to Dwight Howard does not come around every day. Favors, who will play his entire rookie season as a 19 year old, was rated the #1 prospect in the 2009 class by Scout.com, claimed MVP honors at both the McDonald's All-American Game and Jordan Brand Classic, and won ACC Freshman of the Year in his lone season at Georgia Tech; and while he has gone through the rookie growing pains this season, all of his NBA coaches and teammates have been impressed. 

HoopsDaily’s Sam Littman, our NBA rookie expert, had the chance to speak to him about his short career, and his recent trade to the Utah Jazz.

Derrick FavorsHoopsDaily: Is there a power forward or center that you idolized when you were growing up?

Derrick Favors: Tim Duncan

HoopsDaily: How did you decide on Georgia Tech as the launch pad for your career?

DF: I had always wanted to go to Georgia Tech as a kid growing up.

HoopsDaily: How did your freshman season at Georgia Tech influence your playing style and attitude towards the game?

DF: During my freshman season I realized how big and athletic the players were in division I basketball.

HoopsDaily:  At Georgia Tech you played alongside Gani Lawal, a power forward who was also drafted.  How did playing next to a more experienced post player help your game?

DF: He helped me prepare before and during the season. On the court and in the classroom.

HoopsDaily:  What was the first thought that crossed your mind when you were selected by the Nets with the third pick in the draft?
 
DF: Wow! I’m in the NBA

HoopsDaily:  On the Nets, you played next to a very polished center in Brook Lopez. Was he a positive influence on you as a post scorer?

DF: Yes my locker was right on the side of his. We spent time after practice going over rotations and working on moves.

HoopsDaily:  Do see yourself becoming a more aggressive scorer in the paint, or a more dynamic scorer who plays out to 20 feet? 

DF: I’m trying to develop my skills in both spots on the floor.

HoopsDaily:  What was the hardest part of your transition to the NBA?

DF: I’m still transitioning.

HoopsDaily:  Which of your strengths translated smoothly to the league?

DF: My defense. 

HoopsDaily:  How did you cope with the constant trade rumors?

DF: My main focus wasn’t on the trade, my focus was on playing for the New Jersey Nets.

HoopsDaily:  You dominated every stage of amateur basketball, so you’re used to being “the man.” How did you respond to playing less than 20 minutes per game for the first half of your rookie season?

Derrick Favors and Devin HarrisDF: Just accepting the whole thing as a learning process, and taking advantage of my playing time.

HoopsDaily:  Now that you’ve gotten your feet wet in the league, which NBA veteran do you think you are most similar to?

DF: That’s a tough question; I will have to get back with you after the season.

HoopsDaily:  Who is the best player you’ve played against so far?

 DF: Josh Smith

HoopsDaily:  If you could only set one goal for the second half of the season, what would it be?

DF:  My number one goal is to continue to get better.

HoopsDaily:  Who’s going to win the title this year?

DF: C’mon, you know, the Utah Jazz!

HoopsDaily:  Finally, how often do your teammates make you pay for dinner?

DF: LOL

HoopsDaily:  What was your reaction when you learned that you were traded to the Jazz?

DF: I was surprised, but once I find out I was ready to get with the new team.

HoopsDaily:  What are your thoughts about where the team is headed with its current roster?

DF:  I don’t really get concerned about it. I’m just ready to be with my team and ready to play.

HoopsDaily:  What do you expect to gain from playing alongside skilled and experienced big men Paul Millsap, Al Jefferson and Mehmet Okur?

DF: I expect to gain a lot from the experience, but I’m also looking forward for the chance to compete with them every day in practice.

HoopsDaily:  Playing for a team that has made the playoffs 24 times in the last 27 years, do you feel that there is more pressure on you to continue the franchise's winning ways?

DF: No, the pressure is not on me, I’m just going out there to compete as hard as I can. The time to get it is now!