Kenneth Faried: From Morehead State to the Denver Nuggets

Jan 27, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) makes the basket against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Since the Denver Nuggets season ended, the Kenneth Faried trade rumors began.

With a nickname like the “Manimal” and a crowd favorite since joining the Nuggets in 2011, there are emotions on both sides of these rumors.

Watching Faried take a rebound high off the rim and then slam it with authority is something many Nuggets fans love to see during the winter months in the Rocky Mountains. This energy level is key to his game.

Additionally, he can get up and down the floor and gets plenty of backside block shots and defensive rebounds during the course of a game. Hustle plays and the Manimal seem to go together.

The issue with Faried’s defensive game is an inability to consistently guard other power forwards in the NBA. Couple this with Micheal Malone‘s emphasis for defensive excellence and this is where the issues of Faried’s role with the Nuggets should begin.

Mar 14, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) runs up court during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Morehead Success

Here is what is most interesting about Faried’s defensive struggles, he was named the 2011 National Association of Basketball Coaches Defensive Player of the Year. He earned this honor during his senior year at Morehead State.

Some of the past winners of this award include former Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin (Cincinnati) and the recently retired Tim Duncan (Wake Forest). Duncan was a three time winner of this award.

Faried’s senior season with Morehead State saw him average 14.5 rebounds, nearly 2 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game. While putting up 17.3 points per game. Morehead State even took down the 4th seeded Louisville Cardinals during the 2011 NCCA Tourney in March Madness fashion. Faried gained some second team All-American honors during the 2011 NCAA season.

Pretty impressive for a unknown mid-major in the Ohio Valley Conference.

Two other accomplishments for the Manimal while at Morehead State were earning his college degree and becoming the all-time NCAA leader in rebounds post-1973 season.

We all know that success at the college game does not always translate to NBA stardom. Faried maybe only one of five Morehead State players to ever play in the NBA. It is worth noting that Phil Simms of NY Giants Super Bowl fame came out of Morehead State.

Please, save your Phil Simms CBS Sports NFL coverage comments for another column.

So what is up with questions about Faried’s defensive ability in the NBA?

Apr 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) defends against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The 2015-2016 season saw his minutes fall to only 25.3 minutes per game, his lowest level since joining the Nuggets. It would be safe to say that his 4th quarter minutes were significantly reduced during Malone’s first season as coach.

However rebounding, blocks, and points per game were near or above his career average last season. He is definitely a double-double guy in the NBA. His scoring average for this team is probably capped at around 12 to 15 a game.

All these numbers are great for the undersized power forward out of Morehead State and these numbers were what the Nuggets wanted from him by making him the 22nd pick in the 2011 draft.

However, It is no secret that his defensive efficiency ratings for a power forward rank towards the bottom of the league. That is what is fueling these recent trade rumors.

The Nuggets want to and need to improve on the defensive end to make Malone’s system work. They gave up an average of 105 points per game last season and any improvement in this statistical category would definitely lead to more wins.

The options for the Denver Nuggets and Kenneth Faried:

Mar 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) stretches prior to the game against the Phoenix Suns at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Trade Him

A trade seems very unlikely. With all the trade rumors of Faried going around, it is apparent the Nuggets front office was searching for a suitable trade partner.

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As of now you have to believe if it was going to happen it would have already happened.

The Nuggets are smart to stay away from trades that give them no real upgrade in talent  or personnel combinations. Other NBA teams also have to know about his defensive one-on-one struggles and this maybe what is preventing a move from these other teams.

There may be a need arise later in this NBA season. A move closer to the trade dead line could be better suited for both the Nuggets and a trade partner.

But what other options do the Nuggets have for Kenneth Farried that keep him on this roster.

Mar 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Kenneth Faried (35) during player introductions prior to the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Start Him at Small Forward?

His outside shooting is way too suspect to even consider this option. His 5 year NBA career has seen a very low sample size of attempts behind the arc and there is  a reason for that. Even his field goal percentage from 3 to 9 feet from the basket is well under 40%.

There would be some interest in his ability to better guard the small forward position.  It is doubtful that Gallinari and Chandler will need much help this year.

Moving Gallinari and Chandler to the power forward is also not a viable option.  Their ability to guard the power forward position while keeping their scoring average up would be a serious question. A question we may not like the answer to.

The defensive end requires effort that can take away from offensive production.

Feb 26, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) dunks as Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) looks on during the game at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Rim Protector

More development of a true rim protector on the Nuggets roster could really help the overall defensive numbers and hide some of the defensive efficiency issues from this undersized power forward.

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The Nuggets should see improvement from both Jokic and Nurkic during the upcoming season. However, they both appear to be several years away from being close to a dominant rim protector.

There is some thought that Jokic maybe a true power forward. A move to the power forward spot by Jokic would likely put him on the floor with Nurkic at the same time. The Nuggets may explore this option more during the upcoming season.  It was tested toward the end of last season and at times they were a very productive duo together.

The use of Jokic at the power forward may not be as prevalent an idea now with Joffrey Laurvergn  being moved to the Thunder for two future second round picks..

If this experiment of having Jokic play this position would work you would see the need for a Faried trade or a major reduction in Faried’s minutes.

Dec 10, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) sits on the bench during the first half against the Miami Heat at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Can He Come Off the Bench?

Making a former starter come off the bench is a tricky proposition. It would take some tact on the part of the coaching staff and front office to pull it off. There are many who would love to see that Manimal energy come in against a NBA second unit.

He could spark the Denver Nuggets second unit even more! The Nuggets second unit is already incredible talented, and Kenneth Faried could add even more. With the second unit also having more of a rim protector in Jusuf Nurkic, Faried may fit very well there.

This is a great option but would it work and are the Nuggets ready to give Darrell Arthur, out of Kansas, a starting roll?

Feb 3, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) falls into the bench area chasing a loose ball during the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

A Newark, New Jersey Kid is tough

You can’t tell me that a guy that grew up in Newark, then made huge strides at Morehead State, and ultimatley made a jump to play in the NBA in the Mile High City and can’t make modest defensive improvements when Mike Malone is calling for him to do so.

The Manimal brings so much to the table in terms of rebounding, scoring, and hustle. If Faried could provide this modest defensive improvement against the leagues toughest position to guard then the Nuggets would position themselves for the playoffs.

This guy seems to be teachable and you could see him accept coming off the bench to lead a second unit along with Will Barton. You could even see scoring numbers increase from Faried in this scenario.

You got to believe someone with his incredible back-story and energetic smile wants the playoffs so very much!

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