Derrick Favors unfazed by trade rumours
The waiting game for the Carmelo Anthony deal is still left hanging on the balance and there is no discussion as of late, but rookie power-forward Derrick Favors has been constantly monitored
because he is the main piece of the New Jersey Nets’ offer to the Denver Nuggets.
However, the third overall pick in the 2010 NBA draft is not bothered by the constant trade rumours and is remaining focused on his rookie campaign, something admirable because he could have
been easily discouraged by it, being the youngest player in the league.
“It might have bothered me a little at first, but I don't pay attention to it now,” Favors said. “You just ignore it. I just go about my business and that is trying to get a little better
every day. That's all it's about now for me.”
The 19-year old forward and a former Georgia Tech standout has been playing great off the bench for the New Jersey Nets this season, averaging 9.5 points and 7.3 rebounds in just 22 minutes
a game in their first six outings.
Favors had breakout night last week, when he scored 13 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in their loss against the powerhouse team, Miami Heat, which was followed by another good performance
against the Charlotte Bobcats, where he racked up 11 points and eight rebounds for the Nets.
His impressive performances are also making things interesting since his trade value is getting higher, but head coach Avery Johnson is also thinking twice of dealing the power-forward, who
is often tagged as a young version of Amar’e Stoudemire and Kevin Garnett.
“We're beyond pleased,” said Johnson on the performance of Favors early in the season. “We're ecstatic with where he is. He makes smart plays on the floor. He's very coachable, and he's pretty
strong for his age. You've got to see him two years from now, with 10-15 more pounds of muscle, 21-22 years old, and shooting much better.”
The first-year Nets head coach also added that Favors will be a vital part of their team especially when he and emerging centre Brook Lopez will get used to each other, giving the Nets a
promising frontline that will help them a lot in the future.
“He just needs to go through an 82-game season, back-to-back games, be on the court,” added Johnson. “He's in a position now to have a successful start to a very dominating career. If you
look in our crystal ball, we like what we see.”
Favors, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with the words of his coach, and he vowed to stay focused in improving the different aspects of his game, not thinking about the talks involving
him in a Carmelo Anthony deal.
“I knew with the work I put it in, it would start paying off sooner or later,” he said. “It's a tough league. I'll be spending time in the weight room. Everyone is strong, and you have to
keep working every day to get better.”
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