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Kenneth Faried: I hope to become Defensive Player of the Year one day

Chris Humphreys / USA TODAY Sports

Kenneth Faried has always been known for his breathtaking athleticism, inexhaustible motor, and rim-rattling dunks.

He is not known for his defense.

If anything, the forward is viewed as a notoriously poor defender. Aside from the 2012-13 season, the Denver Nuggets have been significantly worse with him on the court.

Season Faried on (DefRtg) Faried off (DefRtg)
2011-12 110.3 104.3
2012-13 106.0 104.6
2013-14 111.6 103.8
2014-15 110.0 106.5

To his credit, though, he understands his weakness, and is endeavoring to improve. But he's not just looking to take a small step forward. Faried has his sights set on some silverware.

"My defense, I've focused on that," he told Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post. "I've been watching film on guys that I consider my toughest matchups, and I've been able to dissect them so that when the season comes around I'm able to guard those players - and become the player I want to be, and that's hopefully defensive player of the year one day and first-team all-defense."

Faried added that he's been in constant contact with newly-minted head coach Mike Malone - a tough-nosed defensive specialist - as he looks to improve.

Based on his physical tools, he has the capability of being an excellent defender. He's undersized at 6-foot-7 with a 7-foot wingspan, but is strong and quick. He should be able to hold his own in the post while having enough foot speed to check guards on the perimeter - in the same mold as Tristan Thompson.

Being remarkably athletic doesn't hurt, either.

The problem with Faried, however, is that he often finds himself out of position. He is also a poor rim-protector, as he allowed opponents to shoot 54.5 percent at the basket, a mark on par with Nikola Vucevic and Robert Sacre.

That's where Malone comes in. While turning him into a Defensive Player of the Year might be a bit far-fetched, the coach can harness his athleticism, and at least bring him closer to being an average defender.

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