Denver Nuggets: Kenneth Faried Is the Odd Man Out

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the fourth quarter at Pepsi Center. The Raptors defeated the Nuggets 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) in the fourth quarter at Pepsi Center. The Raptors defeated the Nuggets 116-102. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

With both Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic excelling, Kenneth Faried could quickly find himself as the odd man out and back on the trade tables.

The fan-favorite Kenneth Faried has quickly gone from the face of the Nuggets to almost irrelevancy.

Throughout the first preseason game, it became foreseeable as to why Faried’s minutes will start to suffer.

More from Nugg Love

It is quite simple really. Jusuf Nurkic- the Bosnian Beast- is just a much better defender than Faried. The Jurkic, Nurkic and Jokic lineup, proved to be a success as the shooting and passing of Jokic combined with the presence of Nurkic. This combination provided a spark in the Nuggets chemistry.

As far as Faried, this chemistry may be enough to put Faried’s role on the team in jeopardy.

He managed to only play 20 minutes which was sixth on the team, and it would have been seventh if Harris did not strain his groin.

So, if Faried is really losing his role, what should Denver do? I think this answer is pretty obvious. They should trade him to a team where he can excel. Faried still has a role in this league: it just may not be with Denver.

While the Timberwolves and Hawks almost bite on a trade for him, it seems that altogether talks have ceased.

Must Read: 5 Things We Learned from Denver's Preseason W

But, Denver might want to start them back up when one their most paid player loses his role.