Nuggets training camp capsules: Kenneth Faried

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In the buildup to training camp beginning Sept. 27, BSN Denver is profiling the Nuggets roster player by player, reflecting on their performance last year and what they have to prove in training camp, preseason, and throughout the regular season to have a productive 2016-17 campaign.

Player Profile

Kenneth Faried, 6-foot-8, 228 pounds

2015-16 averages: 67 games (64 starts), 25.3 minutes, 12.5 points (55.8 FG%), 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 blocks,

Projected role: Starting power forward

Training camp outlook

Faried is entering the most important season of his 6-year professional career and one that could go a long way towards determining his future with the the franchise that drafted him in 2011.

The 26-year-old is coming off a disappointing season where he averaged the least amount of minutes (25.3) and started the least amount of games (64) since his rookie year. Faried logged less fourth quarter minutes last season than Darrell Arthur and never gained the trust of first-year head coach Michael Malone to play consistent minutes down the stretch of games. Now, with Arthur returning, and No. 15 overall pick Juancho Hernangomez waiting in the wings, Faried needs to start the year on the right foot and put together the most productive season of his career to maintain his standing with the Nuggets.

Where Faried has to be engaged from day one of training camp is on the defensive end. The Manimal needs to prove that in year two under Malone he can play with more awareness and control on defense. If Faried has the ability to cover pick-and-rolls correctly, close out responsibly, and rotate properly under the rim, this is the year to show it. I detailed here how the Nuggets can maximize Faried’s skill-set and he’ll likely be the opening night starter at power forward, but I believe Malone has the guts to make a change if necessary.

Faried is at his best when he sticks to what he does well. When the 6-foot-8 jumping bean is rolling to the rim he possesses more gravity than anyone else on the Nuggets roster. He’s also Denver’s best rebounder and finisher above the rim; all valuable attributes in the league today. If he can be efficient and prevent himself from drifting out towards the elbows and stay focused on the defensive end, he has all the physical tools to excel in Malone’s scheme. If not, then I could see the forward finishing the 2016-17 season elsewhere.