Last Updated on July 27, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Plenty of frontcourt players chased blocks, but Derrick Favors often made the smarter defensive play by holding his ground, cutting off driving lanes, and forcing opponents into difficult finishes instead of gambling. An American power forward and center who spent his career in the NBA, Favors earned respect through dependable interior defense, strong screen setting, efficient finishing around the rim, and the quiet consistency that helped stabilize every rotation he joined.

Here’s detailed information about Derrick Favors:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Derrick Bernard Favors
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born July 15, 1991
  • Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
  • Height: 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m)
  • Weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 4 inches (2.24 m)
  • Shoe Size: 16 (U.S.)
  • Number: Has worn jersey numbers 15, 22, and 34 during his NBA career
  • Position: Power forward / Center
  • High School: South Atlanta High School (Atlanta, Georgia)
  • College: Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) (2009–2010)
  • NBA Draft: 2010, Round 1, Pick 3 by the New Jersey Nets
  • Teams Played For:
    1. New Jersey Nets (2010–2011)
    2. Utah Jazz (2011–2019, 2020–2021)
    3. New Orleans Pelicans (2019–2020)
    4. Oklahoma City Thunder (2021–2022)
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Has three children, though specific details are not widely publicized
  • Siblings:
    • Darian Favors: Twin sister
    • Deandra Favors: Older sister

Player Archetype / Play Style

Derrick Favors’ player archetype was that of a sturdy two-way interior big, a physical frontcourt piece who made his living through rebounding, screening, paint finishing, and dependable interior defense rather than high-usage shot creation. At 6-foot-9 and 265 pounds, he brought a strong frame, good length, and enough mobility to play either power forward or center, which helped him hold position in the lane, contest around the rim, and clean the glass. Offensively, Favors fit best as a low-maintenance scorer — a pick-and-roll finisher, second-chance threat, and occasional low-post option — while defensively he served as a rugged paint protector and rebounder who could absorb contact and anchor possessions inside. His overall play style was practical, unflashy, and team-oriented, built on strength, efficiency, and doing the hard interior work that helps lineups function. (Basketball Reference)

Scouting Report

Derrick Favors always struck me as a big who made life easier for everyone else without demanding the ball to prove his value. His best offensive possessions often started with a hard screen that actually created separation, followed by a decisive dive where he arrived in the paint on balance and presented a huge target. He wasn’t looking to showcase an elaborate post package; he wanted quick seals, pocket passes in tight windows and finishes before the weak-side rotation could arrive. That’s where his soft hands mattered. Guards could throw difficult passes knowing he was likely to secure them through traffic, and if the first shot missed, he had a knack for keeping the ball alive with controlled tip-outs or second jumps rather than simply trying to overpower everyone. Defensively, he was most effective protecting the lane in drop coverage, staying patient instead of chasing every ball handler and using his length to contest at the rim without giving up direct driving angles behind him. It’s easy to overlook how often he cleaned up possessions before they became highlights, boxing out early so teammates collected the rebound instead of hunting blocks that compromised the defence. The trade-off came when offences dragged him into repeated switches or forced him to defend well beyond the foul line, where quicker players could attack his hips before he could recover. He also wasn’t the kind of offensive hub who punished double teams with advanced passing reads, so his touches were most valuable when they came naturally within the flow of the offence. To me, Favors fit best next to a creative pick-and-roll guard and perimeter shooting that stretched the floor, allowing him to focus on screening, rolling, finishing and anchoring the interior. His game shared a lot with Antonio McDyess after McDyess became more of a fundamentally driven interior player, while also resembling a less explosive but more physically imposing version of Brandon Bass in the way he relied on timing, positioning and efficiency rather than flair.

Fun Facts

  • Derrick Favors was a highly touted high school recruit, earning McDonald’s All-American honors and leading South Atlanta High School to a state championship.
  • At Georgia Tech, he was named the ACC Rookie of the Year after averaging 12.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks in his lone college season.
  • Favors has been known for his defensive versatility, rebounding, and ability to play both frontcourt positions effectively.
  • He spent the majority of his career with the Utah Jazz, where he played a key role in their playoff runs and served as a reliable contributor in the post.
  • Off the court, Favors has been active in community outreach and mentoring young athletes.

Sources:

Basketball-Reference — Derrick Favors Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more
NBA.com — Derrick Favors | Forward | Oklahoma City Thunder
Bullets Forever — 2010 NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Derrick Favors
WalterFootball — 2010 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Derrick Favors
Yahoo Sports — Derrick Favors: Scouting report and accolades