5 NBA players in need of a change of scenery

Kenneth Faried, Denver Nuggets

Kenneth Faried is another player with some talent and ability that just does not have a place in the rotation. The Denver Nuggets have used Faried inconsistently this season. One game he had a DNP-Coach’s Decision, the next he dropped a double-double on the Orlando Magic.

Before that Magic game, coach Mike Malone said he and Faried had a discussion about his role. There was a push back between the two at first, but ultimately an understanding was met. His game log this month remains bizarre. He plays 25-plus minutes one night and then less than 10 the next.

That does not mean the situation is good, or that Faried may not want out.

Denver has clearly moved in a different direction with its post players. There are barely enough minutes for Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic to split at center. Throw Darrell Arthur and the young Juancho Hernangomez into the mix too and Faried is slowly getting squeezed out.

It also does not help that Faried’s production has fallen off mightily since he signed his contract extension; he has three years left on a four-year $50 million contract. Faried is averaging 9.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, so he can still produce.

And Faried, since he came into the league, has always been a rebounder and hustle player. That is something many teams could find a use for somewhere, even at his salary.

The Nuggets are probably more desperate to get rid of him. As teams come calling about some of their other more available players, they will surely be looking to get out from under his deal.

And for Faried, a new team and a new situation would probably be best for him too.