Denver Nuggets’ Kenneth Faried to make a leap this season?

April 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) celebrates against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
April 10, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) celebrates against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 100-99. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Nuggets’ forward Kenneth Faried is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. After an excellent performance playing with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup, the expectations for him have grown.

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Most believe Faried is ready to make another leap and Nate Duncan of Basketball Insiders outlines the steps he can take to do just that.

"He can continue to refine his postup game, which has become unexpectedly effective in 2014. But the big strides for him will be defensively. With his athleticism, he should be an elite pick and roll defender with the ability to block some shots at the PF position. He showed well on D for team USA, so if he can carry that over with his pick and roll and help defense he becomes a lot more valuable."

Faried is also looking for  a new contract and if he doesn’t get one by October 31, he will become a restricted free agent in 2015. That’s even more incentive for Faried to take his game to the next level.

Faried averaged 13.7 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 54.5% from the free throw line last season. The 22nd-overall pick of the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft has gone for 12.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.0 assists , 1.0 blocks and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 55.4% from the floor and 64.0% from the charity stripe in his three-year career.

Be sure to check FanSided’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league as we get you ready for the start of the 2014-2015 season.

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