Dec 28, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) reacts during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Faried has gone from being in trade rumors to not going anywhere anytime soon.
Kenneth Faried had a rough start of the season. He started the season coming off the bench in a begrudging manner.
Eventually, Faried was inserted into the starting rotation where he gave a bit of a spark. Progress later into the year, and he was relegated to the second unit once again.
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He was frustrated, but later started making a great impact. Now, he is in the starting rotation again and wreaking havoc with his counterpart, Nikola Jokic.
Sure, a lot of Faried’s production may be a product of Jokic’s all-around game, but that is beside the point. If Jokic brings out the best in the Manimal, then the Denver Nuggets would be foolish to deal him before the trade deadline.
Despite an up and down season, Faried is still giving the opposition nightmares on the glass.
Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) dunks the ball during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Faried has found his identity
Over the last couple of weeks, Faried has been outstanding. In the 3 games that have been played in the month of February, he is shooting a great 76.5% from the field.
On top of that, he is averaging 13.8 points per game in the last 5 games while grabbing 11.4 boards per game.
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His field goal percentage is also remarkable in the last stretch of 5 games as well sitting at 65.6%.
For the season, Faried possesses a player impact estimate of 12.9 as well.
We can’t overlook the other side of the court either. Faried looks as if he has made concerted effort to really improve his defense this year. This is great considering he has never been a great defensive asset in large part due to him being undersized at his position.
Now, with Nikola Jokic showcasing his potential, it has allowed the Manimal to unlock a whole new level of play for him solidifying his future with the Denver Nuggets.
Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) shoots the ball against Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) during the second half at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 120-104. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The Manimal has guaranteed a role for himself
With his recent play, Kenneth has re-assured his spot on the team for the future.
Mark my words, he will have an impact in a positive way going forward. His role is doing the dirty work that isn’t exactly glamorous, but is needed on every successful team in the league.
He is still the cleaner on the offensive glass, but is now adding more facets to his game, particularly slightly improved free-throw shooting and better defense.
With Jokic providing a great offensive impact with his passing, the Manimal is also seeing a slight up-tick in his scoring production as well.
If he can stay a consistent 10 and 10 guy, then the Nuggets would be smart to not trade away this valuable asset before the NBA trade deadline.
