OKC Thunder Media Day: Favors ’embraces opportunity to be that voice’
Although Meda Day for the OKC Thunder was dominated by youngsters a few veterans hit the podium including newly acquired Derrick Favors. On Tuesday, Favors will suit up for the 12th training camp of his professional career and first in OKC.
Although vets aren’t utilized a ton in preseason games since he’s on a new team that may not be the case this season.
When executive vice president Sam Presti met with the media in his annual preseason presser he spoke about the addition of Favors and what he’ll bring to the club.
"“With Derrick, one of the things he brings for us is he’s got a great defensive stability. He’s got a great physicality to him. He’s a pro. I’m excited to see how he fits in with the team. Again, we have to see how the season unfolds, and we’ve done that every year, but the last two years, I think that was really important for us to let that happen and not make any kind of predetermined judgments. But I think he can help the team, absolutely.”"
OKC Thunder Derrick Favors is ready to lead and be veteran voice
In his first media day with the Thunder Favors offered up the following:
On finding out about the trade:
He says “whatever happens, happens, it’s a business. I’m just happy to be here.” https://t.co/IfPqECDEuL
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2021
Furthermore, Favors said he had a good conversation with both exec Sam Presti and coach Mark Daigneault. They let him know what was expected and discussed his fit both now and into the future. Favors said: “I feel good about it. I’m happy to be here.”
He’s locked into the OKC Thunder:
Favors says “nah, when the trade went down, it was never anything like I’m not reporting. I didn’t wanna be that type of person. I’m going to be with the team, whatever happens happens. I’m locked in here.” https://t.co/t4T5cOG5oH
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2021
Regarding the OKC Thunder record of rejuvenating veteran’s careers:
Derrick Favors on the Thunder track record with veterans “You can see it, with Chris Paul, Al Horford, if you come into a situation like this and you do right, they’ll help you out also.” Says “just do right. Come in, do your job, be a professional, be a good teammate.”
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2021
Favors was asked if he spoke to good friend Enes Kanter about coming to OKC said he hadn’t “I’m pretty sure he busy, but that’s my guy though.’
The big man was asked about Kenny Hustle and offered his praise:
Derrick Favors on Kenrich Williams “K-Rich, he is a good young player. He works hard, he plays hard, he gonna find a way to get an offensive rebound no matter where he is at on the floor.” Says he consistent, and brings intensity.
— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) September 27, 2021
Favors was asked about this young squad and core calling them talented – – just young. He plans to offer lessons learned over his 11 seasons and teach them to keep an “even keel” offering the typical veteran sentiment of never getting too high, or too low. In addition, he hopes to teach them what it takes specifically to win games, be a professional, and carry themselves
Favors as noted enters his 12th season and at 30 is one of the older players on the Thunder. Ten of his 11 seasons were spent in Utah with the Jazz. While he’s traditionally played power forward or a small center he was relegated to backing up defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert.
It’s unknown if he’ll start or come off the bench for the Thunder but undoubtedly he’ll provide the leadership necessary. Particularly for the young big men like Darius Bazley, Aleksej Pokusevski, Isaiah Roby, and rookie Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Last season in Utah, Favors averaged 5.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 block through 68 games playing 15.8 minutes per game.
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