Everyone is blasting the Utah Jazz for not making a single trade at the deadline, despite having a number of expiring contracts. I agree…..but I’m not going to pile on.

To me, it wasn’t so bad that they didn’t move some of their many free agents that’ll likely walk this summer. I only have beef with one non-move: Paul Millsap staying put.

According to all reports, VP of Basketball Operations (or VP of BO) Kevin O’Connor thinks Derrick Favors is going to be a super star in this league. Well, this season, his ‘franchise player’ has only started 2 games out of 50. He isn’t even averaging double figures in points (9.4). On a nightly basis, he’s limited to matching up with reserve bigmen that aren’t at his level talent-wise.

I think the Jazz will regret not moving Millsap at the deadline, and clearing up more time for Favors at power forward. Al Jefferson could’ve stayed behind (for the time being) to anchor the ball club and help them keep that playoff spot, another playoff run also being crucial to this group’s development. But, with Millsap gone, Derrick would’ve had to step up. The second-year ’big’ could’ve learned so much from being the full-time guy at the four-spot, especially out West. Having him matchup with the likes of Lee, Aldridge, Griffin, Nowitzki, etc. to start games would’ve been priceless for his development. Paul may play a lot of small forward for Ty Corbin but, when it comes down to winning time, he’s on the block right alongside ‘Big Al’. Favors could do well to have that kind of late-game pressure on him this Spring.

O’Connor thinks Derrick is a budding super star. If so, he should stop trying to protect him.

I say, throw him out there in the deep end and let’s see him swim.

Have some faith, Kev.