Veteran NBA big man Kenneth Faried has signed a deal in Russia with CSKA Moscow, the team announced today. This marks the third overseas contract for Faried during his career, along with the second one signed in just the past two weeks.
Faried previously agreed to play with Leones de Ponce in Puerto Rico on October 1, but the contract included an out for the EuroLeague, according to Emiliano Carchia of Sportando (Twitter link).
“I am excited to be a part of the NBA team of EuroLeague and such a big organization such as CSKA Moscow,” Faried said, as relayed by EuroHoops. “I am excited to be able to contribute with my presence to help achieve many mutual goals together and I am appreciative for the opportunity to play.”
Faried most recently played with Portland during Summer League in Las Vegas, joining other veterans such as Michael Beasley and Emmanuel Mudiay. He holds eight years of NBA experience, making past stops with Denver, Brooklyn and Houston.
Faried was also drafted No. 22 overall in 2011 after spending four seasons at Morehead State. In 478 NBA games, the 31-year-old holds career averages of 11.4 points, 8.1 rebounds and 24.5 minutes per game.
Leones de Ponce from Puerto Rico, not Mexico.
It was a pleasure seeing him play in my hometown. But a new opportunity came along. Good luck Faried.
For the longest time nba players that weren’t good enough always went to China or Europe. I think in the next few years more and more will go to Australia and New Zealand.
We have good systems bringing through recent draft picks such as LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton and Josh Giddey. Currently we also have Ousmane Deing, Mojave King, Makur Maker and Kai Soto.
We have also had a few former nba players such as Dellavedova, Bogut, Stephen Jackson, Steve Blake, Aaron Brooks, Miles Plumblee, James Ennis and Torrey Craig.
I mean if your a fringe nba player why not test yourself against up and coming talent, live in an English speaking country, go all round two beautiful countries, and get treated like a celebrity everywhere you go.
The Rockets SF/PF/PG Jae’Sean Tate also played in Sydney 2 seasons ago.
Sure did was named in the all nbl first team. Was coached by Rockets assistant coach Will Weaver
Didn’t the Rockets just draft someone this year from Australia? Or was it Spain?
Usman Garuba is from Spain (he was born in Madrid), his parents are from Nigeria. They also drafted Alperen Sengun from Turkey.
I know there is tensions from Russia, China, and USA at the moment. I wish Faried the best in Russia and hopefully the country and Moscow are pretty civil with him. It’s a huge gamble for him to play in unfriendly territory
Surprised nobody gave Faried a shot here. He still is a great energy guy and a good bench guy.
Faried was great fun to watch. His state of permanent enthusiasm and animation always made me wish he played for my hometown team.