Nuggets' Kenneth Faried: Likely to open season in starting role

Nuggets coach Michael Malone said last week in a podcast with ESPN.com's Zach Lowe that there's a "good chance" Faried opens the upcoming season as the Nuggets' starting power forward.

Analysis:

The Nuggets have a glut of intriguing frontcourt options in Jusuf Nurkic, Darrell Arthur, Joffrey Lauvergne and rookie Juan Hernangomez, but Faried's status as the incumbent after starting 64 of 67 games at the position last season would seem to give him the upper hand over his competition. Though his name has been tossed about in trade rumors the last couple of seasons, Faried remains an integral player for the Nuggets, though the team's existing depth could continue to keep his playing time closer to the 25-minute than 30-minute range. He was still effective in a modest allotment of playing time in 2015-16, averaging 12.5 points (on 55.8% shooting), 8.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.5 steals in 25.3 minutes per game.