Denver Nuggets: 2016-17 Season Outlook, Predictions

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Mar 6, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) celebrates with guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) after a play in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Mavericks 116-114 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Three Key Storylines: 2. Faried’s Future

Kenneth Faried is a truly unique case in the NBA. He’s been simultaneously overrated and underrated over the last few years; overpaid and then labeled a bargain contract; admired and undesired; beloved by the fan base and then dismissed as an inevitable trade piece.

The Manimal has never improved the glaring weaknesses of his game, preventing him from ever putting all his innate physical gifts to use in the pursuit of a higher gear. He still can’t shoot, his game is still dependent on his athleticism, he’s not a great defender and at the end of the day, he’s too easy to write off as nothing more than a hustle guy.

The only problem is, there’s nothing wrong with that. Plenty of NBA teams in need of frontcourt depth would love to have a workhorse like Faried, even if they wouldn’t be particularly keen to give anything valuable up for him.

Therein lies Denver’s problem. Everyone around the league knows Faried’s long-term fit there has been clouded by doubts and the noticeable flaws in his game, and with young studs like Jokic, Nurkic and now Hernangomez populating the frontcourt, it’s only a matter of time before the trade whispers turn to more audible trade buzz.

Can Jokic and Nurkic play together if Jokic is able to spread the floor? That’s one thing Malone will probably experiment with this season, and if the results are encouraging, Faried’s place on this roster will come into question — as it will if Hernangomez shows signs of being a potential replacement in the near future.

I don't think Juancho will be a factor at all in any Faried trade (or non-trade) decisions THIS YEAR.
— Adam Mares (@Adam_Mares) July 21, 2016

At age 26, the undersized Faried is coming off a season in which he averaged 12.5 points and 8.7 rebounds per game on 55.8 percent shooting. But not one of his three head coaches in his five-year career have played him 30 minutes per game, and his production may have already peaked.

The Nuggets love Faried and the energy he brings to the table, but when the day for looking for a legitimate replacement comes, will Denver be willing to part with him? And will they be able to move him and cut ties with one of their favorite players who might be more valued in the Mile High City than anywhere else in the league?

Next: Storyline 3: Are The Nuggets The Real Western Dark Horse?

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