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Gordon Hayward was booed by Jazz fans when the 2010-11 season began. He ended the year as the most promising player on Utah's roster.

The future was in vogue for the Jazz on Wednesday, while the present tense belonged to two lottery picks from the 2010 NBA Draft. Hayward poured in a season-high 34 points on 12-of-17 shooting during Utah's 107-103 victory against the Denver Nuggets at EnergySolutions Arena. Fellow Jazz rookie Derrick Favors added 12 points, seven rebounds — five offensive — three assists, three steals and two blocks in a contest that marked the regular-season finale for both teams.

"It's good to go into the offseason on this note. It gives you some confidence," said Hayward, who hit 5-of-6 3-pointers and conducted his postgame interview on a chair formerly reserved for All-Star guard Deron Williams.

Hayward addressed a crowd of 19,051 before tipoff, taking a role normally reserved for higher-paid, bigger-name players. The Nos. 3 and 9 overall picks of the 2010 draft were then the first players to take the court after halftime, as Favors put up short-range shots while Hayward dribbled away. But the young duo made the most impact when the game clock was running, displaying individual promise and teaming up several times for sharp passes that were followed by sharper shots. An increasingly smooth, confident Hayward started at shooting guard. His late-season ascension continued, as he mixed long-range jumpers with midrange pull-ups and slicing drives.

And after starting the year unsure of his spot in the NBA, the former Butler standout ended a disappointing Jazz season as a key to Utah's uncertain future.

"I wasn't thinking," Hayward said. "I was just playing."

Meanwhile, the 19-year-old Favors provided more proof that the team's starting power-forward position could belong to him when the 2011-12 season begins. He was powerful and efficient, rarely hesitating and playing beyond his years.

"He's matured some," Utah coach Tyrone Corbin said. "He's learning how to stay big and be big."

Unknown role

Paul Millsap's evolution continued Monday, with the Jazz veteran again sliding down and starting at small forward.

Millsap was slowly worked into the new position during Utah's stretch run. However, Corbin said that he still hasn't determined how the fifth-year player will fit into the Jazz's lineup next season.

A first rotation featuring Millsap at the three, Favors at the four and Al Jefferson at the five worked well, at times, for Utah during the final two weeks of the year. But as the Jazz prepare for what could be an extended offseason due to a likely lockout, Corbin is considering splitting Millsap's time at the small- and power-forward positions next year.

In late March, Millsap said that he would prefer to enter the summer knowing where he was going to be slotted in 2011-12. On Monday, he stated that he is comfortable in either role, and the uncertainty won't affect his preparation.

"I'm still going to do the same stuff I've been doing to get better," Millsap said.

All 82 for 'Big Al'

Jefferson dealt with an anterior cruciate ligament injury and loss-filled seasons in Minnesota during recent years. His main goal this season was to be playing basketball in mid-April with the Jazz. That won't happen, with Utah out of the playoffs. But a personal goal was achieved, and it brought a smile to Big Al's face when the accomplishment was mentioned.

Jefferson started all 82 games for the Jazz this season, becoming the only player on Utah's roster to record the mark.

"I have injuries," Jefferson said. "But if I can play through them, if I can deal with them, I'm going to go."

Unknown future

Jazz forward C.J. Miles feels as if Utah should pick up a team option worth $3.7 million next season. But he has received no indication the club that he was drafted by and has spent six years playing for feels the same.

Miles set career highs in average points, minutes, rebounds, made field goals and 3-pointers this season. He is in the final year of his contract, though, and a late-season swoon appeared to be weighing on his mind Monday.

"It's not my decision," Miles said. "What they try to do, hopefully, I'm a part of."

Briefly

Andrei Kirilenko, Raja Bell, Ronnie Price, Mehmet Okur, Kyrylo Fesenko and Miles sat out Wednesday's game due to injuries. Kirilenko, Price and Fesenko may have played their final games for Utah. They will be unrestricted free agents this summer.