8 players who could use a change of scenery

Kenneth Faried – PF, Denver Nuggets

Kenneth Faried’s limitations are also the reason why he is so likable. Despite having a rudimentary offensive game as well as limited size and athleticism, Faried is a tireless worker on the boards, creating opportunities for himself and others on the court.

The Nuggets are a team in transition. Hiring Mike Malone brings the Nuggets closer philosophically with other teams in the Western Conference: (1) they will focus on improving efficiency, whether that manifests itself in improving field goal percentages, creating quality, point-efficient looks or decreasing turnovers; (2) like a great deal of other bigger teams, the Nuggets will focus heavily on ball movement and turn away from a focus on isolation; (3) perhaps most importantly, the Nuggets will try to be strong protecting the interior of the defense.

As a result, Faried appears set to get phased out of the Nuggets’ plans. Faried’s uneven defensive play and lack of size make him a target for opposing bigs. For his career, opposing offenses tend to be more efficient while Faried is on the floor, shooting 51.5% from the field opposed to 48.8% and scoring 109.4 points per 100 possessions versus 104.8.

The Nuggets have young players as rotational pieces behind Faried, namely rookie Nikola Jokic, who could easily step into a more prominent role protecting the interior of the defense

Kenneth Faried’s new home: Oklahoma City Thunder

Faried would come off the bench for Serge Ibaka and allow the team to maintain the boost in rebounding, and he would fit right in with the faster pace Billy Donovan wants to install in OKC.

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