Last season, when the masses of Nuggets fans clamored for George Karl to start Kenneth “Manimal” Faried, I was patient because I knew Faried would be worth the wait. Yes, Karl’s rotations drive me mad, just as much as the next, but I knew that once Manimal took the grandiose NBA stage, nothing would be the same.
And it wasn’t.
In lieu of Nene’s complacency and nagging injuries, Faried would — basically — steal Nene’s job with the Denver Nuggets and with each passing game his dedication, heart, strength and that flying mane of his, was a fan-favorite.
We, as in the Nuggets fanbase, were in love.
Manimal was magnetizing, riveting, and played with a passion that rivaled much of the league.
Kenneth Faried was something special, easily the steal of the 2011 NBA Draft, and he belonged to Nugget Nation.
You’ve heard the litany of statistics when speaking of Faried:
- 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.0 blocks per game last season.
- 8.4 rebounds per game post All-Star Game break.
- His PHENOMENAL game against GSW last year: 27 points, 17 rebounds in 24 minutes
- 10.4 points, 10 rebounds — 3.6 offensive rebounds — and 1.1 blocks per game during the postseason.
- Faried’s 18 points on perfect shooting, 16 rebounds — 6 offensive — against the Boston Celtics
There’s more statistical information to validate my opinion — as well as most NBA Heads — on why Kenneth Faried is the bee’s knees.
He’s tenacious, has an exquisite work ethic in which is displayed during every practice and game. To say Faried is amazing, would be a disservice to his freaky athleticism.
This season will prove to be an even more ginormous step for the young power forward, as he will be a full-time starter — ballpark of 28-30 minutes — has a full training camp under his belt, and will become a greater threat on offensive and defensive rebounding.
Basically, Kenneth Faried will become a vivacious, tenacious, pertinacious, and industrious second-year player.
Obviously, I’m enthralled, enraptured, and enchanted by Faried and all the qualities I want to see in every NBA player: pride in their work, a pursuant attitude in improving, and an unyielding abundance of energy
Faried is something special, indeed…..
He’s a monster.
He’s a stud.
He’s a beast.
He’s a glass-cleaning cannibal….
Kenneth Faried is the Manimal.
