Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried is in the NBA trade rumor mill in the last few years. In a recent radio interview, the "Manimal" shared how he feels about the rumors involving him. Faried admitted that he hated them in the past because it seemed like the Nuggets wanted to deal him away. Now, he is delighted by the trade talks since it means that he is still relevant and what he does in the NBA is acknowledged. According to him, this is "respectful" and "humbling."
ESPN mentioned in its report that Faried is in trade rumors due to the number of power forwards on the Nuggets roster.
Joining him at the position are Darrell Arthur, Juan Hernangomez, Tyler Lydon, Trey Lyles, and Paul Millsap. Many see Faried as a potential asset for Denver to address its problems at small forward. As of the moment, the Nuggets only have one true small forward on the team, and that is Wilson Chandler.
Faried accepts future role
Faried has been a starter and a member of the second unit for the Nuggets. In the 2017-18 NBA season, he is expected to be one of Millsap's backups. Millsap is the most significant acquisition of Denver this offseason. The All-Star big man is coming off a productive four-year stint with the Atlanta Hawks.
Even if Faried will come off the bench, he is okay with it. The 27-year-old said in the interview that he is "going to still play hard" for the Nuggets.
Last season, in 61 games (34 starts), Faried's numbers dipped. He averaged career-worsts 9.6 points and 7.6 rebounds per outing. It was the first time in his NBA career that he failed to average double-digits in scoring.
Playoff time
There are huge expectations for Faried and the Nuggets next season. Nugg Love reported that the projected win/loss total for the Nuggets is 45.5-36.5.
If they win 45 games, Denver is going to end a four-year playoff drought. In the 2016-17 season, the squad finished with a 40-42 record, which was good for the ninth spot in the Western Conference. The Nuggets were just a game away from the Portland Trail Blazers (41-41) who clinched the last playoff berth.
The last time the Nuggets reached the NBA Playoffs was in the 2012-13 season when they finished third in the West with a 57-25 record.
Leading that team were ex-head coach George Karl, point guard Ty Lawson, and forward Andre Iguodala. Unfortunately, that unit had a quick postseason run. In the first round, it was eliminated by the Golden State Warriors in six games.
