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Kenneth Faried: Time to see the floor?

By Blake Holmes

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 24: Gary Harris #14 and Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 24: Gary Harris #14 and Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 24: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets is introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 24: Kenneth Faried #35 of the Denver Nuggets is introduced before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 24, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kenneth Faried is not playing as many minutes for the Nuggets as he should, and it’s time to get some answers.

With the recent wrist injury side-lining Paul Millsap for three months, you would think Faried would get some playing time. Millsap had surgery on said wrist and represents a huge loss for the Nuggets. Many fans believe that Faried should be a starter in Millsap’s absence, but not according to Coach Mike Malone.

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In fact, Malone called Faried into his office and had a talk with the disgruntled forward. He is quoted, “I know you’re frustrated. I’m OK with that. I know you’re pissed off. I’m OK with that, but right now you’re being a pro. You’re being positive. You’re on the bench helping your teammates out. I need you to continue to do that. It’s a long season. Things change. You’re going to be called upon at some point.” (via BSNDenver)

That doesn’t sound like a coach that would sit a player like Faried for literally an entire game, as Malone did against the Rockets. He didn’t touch the floor, logging zero minutes in a blowout loss. While he did pick up his minutes in the Memphis game, the question needs to be asked. Should Denver continue to start the small ball line-up, or throw in Faried at the four?

Next: Wilson Chandler needs to be more consistent

I am a fan of plugging him in the starting line-up, but maybe not for the person you’d expect. If I am Michael Malone, I’m putting in Faried for Wilson Chandler. Chandler has struggled a good bit this year, and Will Barton I believe has earned a starting role. Throw Kenneth at the four, and it’s still a bit of a small ball line-up, as he is only 6’8, but it’s a different form. There would be more intensity, and more defense being played. My ideal starting five until Millsap makes his way back onto the floor three months from now would be:

PG: Jamal Murray

SG: Gary Harris

SF: Will Barton

PF: Kenneth Faried

C: Nikola Jokic

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