OKC Thunder: Derrick Favors’ role on this young team

At 30 years of age, OKC Thunder big man Derrick Favors is the second oldest player on the roster (only 2 weeks younger than Mike Muscala) and is far and away, the most experienced member of this iteration of the team entering the 2021-22 season. ‘

While many believe Favors’ tenure with the Thunder will be a short stint, there is certainly a clear role for Favors to play this season at least.

OKC Thunder big man Derrick Favors role:

Defensive Anchor

Favors has been partnered with Rudy Gobert to form elite frontcourt defense for many seasons. While Gobert receives much of the credit, Favors was no slouch either.

This is clear from his defensive impact increasing outside of the Jazz system when Favors played in New Orleans in 2019-20 (according to the Defensive RAPTOR rating) .

With no true bigs on the roster, Favors will be called in to shore up the center spot and provide at least a respectable level of rim protection that the Thunder otherwise lack.

Mentor

As everyone knows, the team is young. Very young. Muscala may be a fan-favorite and beloved by the franchise, but the rookies won’t be learning how to be good interior defenders from him.

Isaiah Roby and Darius Bazley can be expected to see time at the 5 this year, as well as rookie Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.

While last year Al Horford acted as the wise old shepherd leading the lambs into the paint, this year it will ultimately become the role of Favors. If one of the three players mentioned does take a leap defensively, we can expect some credit to come Favors’ way.

Trade Candidate

It would be disingenuous, however, to not mention the very real possibility of Favors being the Thunder’s primary trade candidate to offer any competing team that wants a sturdy big for the playoffs.

Ultimately, Favors would be for the Thunder a stop-gap at the big man slot after the Thunder reportedly couldn’t trade for the number 3 pick with the Cavaliers to acquire Evan Mobley.

Favors gets the job done for the season, without question. But ultimately the Thunder will be prioritizing a prospect for the future over the stability Favors brings.

In a similar vein to Al Horford’s stint with the club, Favors will be treated with respect and care by a rebuilding organization. Horford’s tenure was a resounding success for the Thunder (maybe even too successful) and Favors’ will be no different, except for the win column for OKC.