Former Nuggets Mainstay Signs With G League; Is Another NBA Comeback Hopeful

 

For 7 years, he was a beast up front for the Denver Nuggets, averaging double-digit points and close to 9 rebounds. Now, the 'Manimal' is taking another run at making it back to the NBA, possibly with his old team. 

Kenneth Faried is joining the Nuggets' G League affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold.

Eight-year NBA veteran Kenneth Faried is joining the Denver Nuggets’ G League affiliate, Grand Rapids Gold, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Reunion of sorts for Faried and the Denver organization.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 29, 2021

Faried spent the 2019-20 season playing in China, and had a two-month stint with CSKA Moscow earlier this year. Before that, he was a mainstay in the Nuggets frontcourt for seven years, then split the 2018-19 season between the Brooklyn Nets and the Houston Rockets.

At his peak, he earned his 'Manimal' nickname in the paint, making the All-Rookie team in 2011-12, and was the MVP of the NBA's Rising Stars Game at All-Star Weekend in 2013, with 40 points. 

The Nuggets, of course, have been riddled with injuries this season, with Michael Porter Jr. and DJ Dozier out for the season, and Jamal Murray out until at least March. 

The 32-year-old Faried would bring a nice shot of energy to any team that signs him. With the G League on hiatus until Jan. 5th, it's possible he could get a "hardship exception" offer to join an NBA team before he even suits up in the G League.

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports