The Suns need some help at the PF position. An experienced 27 or 28-year-old that can be a solid starter now and still be useful in a backup role in the future while being willing to help the youth is exactly the type of player Phoenix needs.
Enter “Manimal”.
Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss have shown flashes of their bright futures. However, there is a clear need for a player at power forward that is ready to compete right now while they develop. This would sure help during the disheartening early season periods of incompetence and ineptitude where it almost looks like the youth is watching and waiting for a veteran to spark a run.
A physical player with high energy, that can rebound with the best, hustle and bring a winning attitude would be so welcome among these baby birds.
Faried was a 1st round pick in 2011 out of Morehead State after leading the NCAA in rebounds his senior year. He became the all-time NCAA rebound leader of all players post 1973, breaking Tim Duncan’s Divison I record.
This is despite standing just 6 foot 8 and weighing just 230 pounds. Don’t let his size fool you. He will battle in the paint with the big boys.
Phoenix Suns
His defense does not stand out but he was recognized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) as the top defensive player in US college basketball his senior year. The defense is there. Some may remember his key rejection helping his #13 seeded team pull off a huge upset win over #4 seeded Louisville in March Madness.
He must be frustrated in the Denver Nuggets’ PF logjam being given inconsistent minutes and an unclear role. (Discard the Paul Millsap injury and recent uptick in minutes as it’s only a short term change.) However, Mr. Faried has been positive pro who has constantly helped his teammates from the pine regardless of his playing situation.
Faried was awarded both the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and NBA Community Assist Award in 2013. That highlights his human nature.
He is praised by his head coach Mike Malone who not only admires his professionalism but enjoys his play.
“Kenneth is really athletic,” Malone said. “What sets Kenneth apart from most people is he’s an elite runner, he’s an elite offensive rebounder, and he’s an elite athlete.”
Nuggets play-by-play announcer Chris Marlowe is quick to notice his extreme athletic ability and how capable he is of jumping out of the gym.
“That’s too high,” Marlowe said of a recent half court heave of a pass from teammate Nikola Jokic. This was quickly followed by “OHHH!!! It’s not too high!” as Faried caught the pass above the rim and threw it down with an emphatic slam dunk.
He is electric in transition but also excels in the half court game, making him very versatile and able to fit in any game environment.
Manimal has career averages of 54% shooting from the field for 11.6 points with 8.3 rebounds and .8 blocks. He has also seen the post season averaging 56% on his field goals for 10.3 points with 9.3 rebounds and .8 blocks.
In his last 5 games facing the Suns he has put up 14.8 points 9.8 rebounds and .8 blocks.
He has scored 15 plus points in 30% of his career games played, put up a double double in 30% of his career matches and blocked 2 plus shots in 21% of his career games.
With consistent minutes and a solid role, a double double with a block every night is almost a given. The team could get closer to 12-15 points per game if they involve him in the offense a little bit more. With his highlight dunks on fastbreaks, the Suns see there is no reason why that shouldn’t happen. He will electrify the crowd with ‘wham-bam-slams’ in the words of the great radio voice Al McCoy.
How’s that for a fill in starter while the youth grows?
Also, can you imagine the confidence Faried would bring out of a Dragan Bender? He would light a much needed fire in him.
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Ryan McDonough needs to pick up the phone, call Denver Nuggets GM Artūras Karnišovas and ask what it would take to bring Manimal to the desert.
Would you like Marquese Chriss to train under Paul Millsap, who would be an almost ideal mentor? Cap space? How about a 3-point shooting vet in Jared Dudley? Maybe the Suns could include Mike James as a backup PG? Include a pick and get Denver to throw in Emmanuel Mudiay? There is definitely business that could be done and should be done for both teams.
Come on, McD. Bring in “Manimal”.