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Kenneth Faried Admits Struggles Due To Contract Pressure

By Bryan Rose

Nov 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets admits he’s feeling pressure living up to his five-year, $60 million dollar contract.

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It’s one thing to play like a ‘Manimal’ when you’re trying to get paid but once you get that massive contract, can you maintain the same level of energy?

We’ve seen multiple players ball out only to fade into oblivion once their bank account was stuffed by a mega deal and the hope of many Denver Nuggets fans is that Kenneth Faried doesn’t follow a similar path.

Given his work ethic and desire that seems very unlikely though the forward does admit the responsibilities and pressures that come with being a franchise talent have been weighing him down and hurting his game.

“But I’ve got to just deal with the fact that I’m that type of player now. Next year, I start getting paid that type of money, so I can’t be making the mistakes that I’ve been making. Or not doing what I usually do, or what got me the contract. I’ve got to focus back in and get, not even just rebounding and scoring, just find my love for the game like I always had.”

Some players are built to be a franchise pillar while others are more suited for a complimentary role. It’s still too early to make a decision on what type of player Kenneth Faried is, though considering so much of his game is built off energy more than over-the-top skills there probably is some concern he can’t be the ‘man’ for the Denver Nuggets.

Faried is still shooting at a fairly effective clip this season, knocking down 50 percent of his shots, though is only averaging 11 points and 7 rebounds in 25 minutes per game this season.

Those numbers are down across the board in comparison to last season, though Kenneth Faried has plenty of time to get back on track and become the player so many hope he can become.

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