Report: Faried not 'well liked' in the Nuggets' organization

Trouble is stirring in Denver, which is to be expected when a team is off to a 2-7 start.

However, the trouble reportedly runs deeper than just their abysmal record. Sources tell Kevin Arnovitz of ESPN that power forward Kenneth Faried is not well liked by the organization.

As Arnovitz elaborates:

Several sources around the league insist the Nuggets' hand was forced with regard to Faried.

After the signing of (JJ) Hickson to a three-year, approximately $16 million contract soon after (Nuggets GM Tim) Connelly's arrival, the sense was the bouncy big man was insurance against Faried's departure in free agency in 2014.

Faried was a fan favorite in Denver, but multiple sources with knowledge of the Nuggets' thinking maintain the team "isn't crazy about him," particularly (head coach Brian) Shaw. But with Faried's boffo showing last summer with Team USA and a loyal following in Denver, the media-conscious Nuggets caved, adding yet another imperfect 4-man to their lot.

"(Faried) is a helluva player and plays hard, but he isn't well liked (in the organization)," a league source said. "That gets glossed over. He says crazy s---. He thinks he's the guy, and other guys take exception to his contract."

The Nuggets inked Faried to a four-year extension this past summer, but as Arnovitz reveals, multiple members of the Nuggets' brain trust are not fans of the team's most recognizable player, for one reason or another.

On the year, Faried is averaging 12 points and 10.5 rebounds while shooting 50.6 percent from the field.