When the news broke in late June that Derrick Favors was moving on to the New Orleans Pelicans after nine seasons in Utah, the goodbye messages poured in from every corner of the Jazz organization almost immediately.



“This guy is a FORCE and people will realize it very soon,” Jazz center Rudy Gobert said in a Twitter post.



“He represents everything that is great about a teammate! Dude was nice to everyone and showed up everyday and went to work,” forward Georges Niang added in his Twitter post.



“Derrick has represented the Utah Jazz organization and the Miller family with class, hard work, and exceptional talent for nearly 10 years,” Jazz owner Gail Miller said in a statement after the trade became official. “He has been a true professional and will be remembered for his immeasurable contributions to our team and the community.”



When asked Tuesday during his introductory press conference about those...