New Orleans Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations David Griffin has been intrigued by Derrick Favors for quite some time and believes the big man has untapped offensive potential.
The Pelicans acquired Favors in a trade with the Utah Jazz. Griffin believes Favors is going to thrive in New Orleans.
David Griffin: "Derrick is somebody that from my time in Cleveland we've had an affinity for…He's an elite rim protector and can do a lot of different things to change the game defensively." Griff goes on to mention untapped offensive potential due to configuration in Utah.
— Oleh Kosel 🇺🇦 (@OlehKosel) July 16, 2019
This past season with the Jazz, Derrick Favors averaged 11.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists while shooting 58.6 percent from the field, 21.8 percent from beyond the arc and 67.5 percent from the free-throw line. Favors will get to play the center position on a full time basis with the Pelicans, something he wasn't able to do with the Jazz since Rudy Gobert was there.
Favors has always been an efficient scorer throughout his career. The Pelicans will able to throw the ball down into the post and let Favors do his damage. The hope in New Orleans is that Favors will attract double-teams, which will free up other players for wide-open shots from the perimeter or layups if they cut to the basket.
All eyes are going to be on Zion Williamson in 2019-20. However, it's good that the Pelicans traded for Favors and signed guard JJ Redick. Those two, along with point guard Jrue Holiday, will help the young guys on the team, both on and off the court.
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