Failure To Extend Kenneth Faried Could Spell Disaster For Denver Nuggets

By Court Zierk @courtzierk on October 4, 2014

It’s no secret that Kenneth Faried is a key cog in the Denver Nuggets’ wheel, but recent comments made by both Faried and coach Brian Shaw leave fans to wonder about their future together, and about the importance the Nuggets place on getting Faried signed to an extension.

On media day, Shaw made a favorable comparison between Faried and Dennis Rodman’s style of play and the level of energy they both exert on the court. However, Shaw also qualified his statement by saying, “I don’t know if he (Faried) had an understanding of the real work that Dennis put in after games, getting on the treadmill or elliptical or Stairmaster 45 minutes or an hour after every game.”

When given the opportunity to respond to Shaw’s statement, Faried said, “I don’t jump on the bike after every game, because I give my all in each and every game.” This exchange was highlighted in a column by Paul Klee of the Colorado Springs Gazette earlier this week, and it certainly seems as though there is a rift between the two, however slight it may be at this point.

There was plenty of speculation about their relationship last season, especially early in the year when Faried’s minutes were down and as his name was being tossed around in numerous scenarios approaching the trade deadline. Time may heal all wounds, but don’t think that Faried has let last year slide completely.

When asked about his relationship with coach Mike Krzyzewski, Faried couldn’t have been more complimentary, emphasizing the belief that he consistently held in him throughout his FIBA World Cup experience. I don’t think it is coincidental that he has never once approached this level of praise for coach Shaw. The rift may not be as extreme as some have made it out to be, but make no mistake, it exists.

As far as the Nuggets’ desire to get Faried signed to an extension, that is also up in the air at this point. The team has until October 31st to complete an extension or Faried will become  a restricted free agent after this season. Don’t think that isn’t weighing heavily on Faried’s mind.

In an interview with Dime Magazine, Faried stated, “It’s tough when you’re a player and you don’t know where, or who wants to lock you down. And if the team that drafted you doesn’t really want you, it seems like it’s a waste of time even wanting to play for that team.”

Ouch. Maybe I am reading too much into that, but it sure sounds like if a deal doesn’t get done by the end of this month, Faried’s future in a Nuggets uniform seems uncertain at best. It would also lead to further speculation about the relationship between Faried and Shaw and their ability to coexist this season.

If the Nuggets view Faried as a key part of their future, the FIBA World Cup may have been the worst thing that could have happened. Many people, including me, have stated that they believe that Faried should have been the MVP of the tournament. Even though he wasn’t bestowed this honor, his performance certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

Faried may not have done anything substantial to change his game — it was still Faried being Faried — but he undoubtedly altered people’s perceptions, and often times perception is what inflates market value. He would have been due a big pay raise anyway, but his global exposure certainly earned him a few more dollars.

In fact, it’s probably not too far of a stretch to say that he may have played himself out of Denver, or at least into restricted free agency. Between Faried’s duly inflated self-image and the Nuggets’ lack of appetite to overpay, a deal may be tough to get done by the end of this month, and if it doesn’t, it may come back to haunt this franchise once his price tag is inflated to preposterous levels in free agency, a la Gordon Hayward.

But, perhaps the biggest disappointment of failing to extend Faried would be among the fans, who love the guy, and allowing another fan favorite/borderline All-Star to walk away could be disastrous for their relationship with this team. Fans in Denver are hungry for success, and if they continue to allow their best players to walk away, the front office would likely begin drawing comparisons to ineptitude of the Colorado Rockies‘ leadership team.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not saying that I don’t believe in Tim Connelly, nor am I in any way comparing him to Dan O’Dowd, yet. I want to give him a fair shake before jumping to drastic conclusions, but this is certainly a big moment early in his tenure as GM, and one that could leave a lasting imprint on his legacy.

If left to me, which would be irresponsible on a number of levels, I would ink Faried to a deal within the next few weeks and lock him down long term. He will warrant significant money, but not enough to leave this franchise without options. They have several team options they can choose to exercise next year to offset some of his salary, and will have several monster salaries coming off of the books in 2016, most notably JaVale McGee’s $12 million.

Also, locking him up now will end up saving them in the long run. Faried would be one of the biggest names in free agency next summer, and there are always teams desperate enough to significantly overpay for a player like him. The Nuggets would be forced into a position to overpay to match any such offer, to sign him to a one-year qualifying offer, or let him walk, none of which are particularly attractive options.

So, if Connelly has any plans to keep Faried here long term, there is really only one option for him — to lock down Faried before the end of this month. Failure to do so would be disastrous on a number of levels, and could be a decision that comes back to haunt the Nuggets.

Court Zierk is a Columnist for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter@CourtZierk, “Like”him on Facebook or add him onGoogle