Derrick Favors
A physically imposing and dependable big man who carved out a 13-year NBA career as a defensive anchor and elite rebounder.
Born 1991 (age 35)·American basketball player·Birthday: July 15·Millennials
Biography
Derrick Favors entered the league with the burden of high expectation, selected third overall in 2010 as a one-and-done prodigy from Georgia Tech. His early years with the New Jersey Nets were a learning curve, but his true identity was forged after a trade to the Utah Jazz in 2011. In Utah, he shed the 'potential' label and became a bedrock. For nearly a decade, he was the team's defensive conscience—a shot-altering, board-clearing force who operated with a quiet, blue-collar ethic. While never an All-Star, his value was immense, providing the gritty interior balance for the Jazz's perimeter-oriented teams. His game was built on strength, timing, and a soft touch around the rim. After his tenure in Utah, he became a valued veteran presence for several teams, his longevity a testament to his professionalism and understanding of a specific, crucial role in the modern NBA.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Derrick was born in 1991, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Derrick Was Born
The biggest hits of 1991
#1 Movie
Terminator 2: Judgment Day
Best Picture
The Silence of the Lambs
#1 TV Show
Cheers
Derrick's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1991Born
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1996Started school
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2004Became a teenager
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Could drive
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2009Could vote
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2012Turned 21
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2021Turned 30
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 35 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played 13 seasons in the NBA, appearing in over 790 regular season games.
- Was a key starting power forward and defensive anchor for the Utah Jazz for nine seasons, helping them to multiple playoff appearances.
- Averaged a double-double (16.0 points, 11.5 rebounds) during the 2014-15 NBA season with the Jazz.
- Selected third overall in the 2010 NBA Draft by the New Jersey Nets.
Did You Know?
He was named the Mr. Basketball for the state of Georgia in 2009 while in high school.
He played only one season of college basketball at Georgia Tech before turning pro.
He was traded from the Nets to the Jazz in a deal that sent Devin Harris to New Jersey.
He is known for his charitable work, particularly in the communities of Atlanta and Salt Lake City.
“I set screens, grab rebounds, and do whatever it takes to help us win.”
