Mar 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) warms up prior to the game against the New York Knicks at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

It seems like only yesterday that the Utah Jazz acquired Derrick Favors as a 19-year-old rookie in the trade that sent Deron Williams to the Nets and changed the franchise forever. Now, the gentle giant who has transformed himself into one of the team’s cornerstone players is celebrating his 24th birthday.

Happy Birthday to my bro @dfavors14 ! (2nd) best rim protector in the league!

As we celebrate this milestone in D-Faves’ life, let us also acknowledge the incredible steps he’s taken in his journey as an NBA player. Once considered a draft bust by the less-patient among us, Favors has proven his doubters wrong by producing at an All-Star level for the Jazz in 2014-15 and emerging as one of the premier frontcourt players in the Association.

Much of the team’s surprising success last season was credited to Rudy Gobert‘s development and with good reason–Gobert was a beast in the paint and exhibits superstar potential on the defensive end. What often goes unreported is how much Favors’ switch to power forward played a role in Gobert’s success and Utah’s overall defensive evolution.

Following the All-Star break, the Jazz posted a defensive rating of 92.0 with Favors on the floor. This mark is actually 2.7 points per 100 possessions better than the number set by Gobert. Moreover, his defensive field goal percentage differential near the basket of minus-11.1 is comparable to Gobert’s mark of minus-11.5.

As much as the Stifle Tower is one of the most intimidating rim protectors and post defenders in the league, it is the presence of Favors beside him that will allow the duo to anchor the defense in the years to come.

His evolution defensively is mirrored by the improvement in his offensive game. More than ever, Favors looked to find his teammates last year which resulted in a career high in assists for the big man. His improved passing was surpassed in measure by a growing mid-range game. Favors’ field goal percentage from 10 to 16 feet has improved in each of the last four seasons.

Setting talk of statistical production aside, the way Favors has taken it upon himself to become both a leader to the team and a fixture in Salt Lake City is also a large part of what makes him a special player for the Jazz. Favors legitimately cares about the health of the franchise and city in which it’s based and continues to show as much.

Why was Derrick Favors working the drive-thru window at a Salt Lake City McDonald's today? He explains at 10 @KSL5TV pic.twitter.com/DpKfdxV5f1 — Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) May 6, 2015

Bottom line, Derrick Favors is no longer the wide-eyed rookie that was thrust upon the team in 2011. He’s a burgeoning force from the power forward position and a key component to the future success of the Utah Jazz.

So as the big man blows out his birthday candles, let us also congratulate him on his progression as an NBA player. There’s still work left to do, but if Favors has proven anything since joining the team, it’s that he is equal to the challenge.

Happy birthday, D-Faves, and thanks for all of your hard work on and off of the basketball court.