Veteran NBA big man Derrick Favors didn’t expect the recent trade that sent him from the Thunder to the Rockets. The trade was completed for reasons primarily related to financials (Oklahoma City side) and draft rewards (Houston side).
But now that he’s arrived, the Favors are ready to make the most of it.
He was Favors’ first as an active player for the Rockets in his comments ahead of Friday’s preseason win over Toronto.
i am happy to be here This is a young team and they play hard. It was a little unexpected for me, but I’m happy to be here. I believe I can provide excellent leadership to the team and help them in any way they need to.
I used to belong to a young team. This is not my first rodeo. I know how to approach it.
Derrick endorses joining the Rockets:
“It was a bit unexpected for me, but I am happy to be here.
“I used to be on a younger team. This is not my first rodeo.” pic.twitter.com/Dq7nP1QTeY
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) October 7, 2022
Favors played eight minutes off the Houston bench on Friday, grabbing three rebounds and scoring a steal and an assist against the Raptors. Now 31, the 6-foot-9 big man is averaging 10.6 points (53.4% FG) and 7.1 rebounds in 24.3 minutes per game.
“Whatever they need,” Favors said of potential on-court value for the Rockets. “Painting presence, toughness. I’m just going to get out there and play my game.”
Going forward, Favors appears to be in the mix as an option for a potential backup center behind second-year prospect Alperen Sengun. Other options include Bruno Fernando and Usman Galba. The Rockets have two more preseason opportunities to evaluate these types of players, and he does so next Monday night in Miami.