Free agent power forward Kenneth Faried has signed a G League contract and joined the Austin Spurs, the team has announced today (Twitter link). Faried will be available to suit up for San Antonio’s G League affiliate tonight in its road game against the Lakeland Magic.
The eight-year NBA vet has been playing internationally since appearing in 37 games for Brooklyn and Houston during the 2018/19 season. A move to the Spurs‘ G League affiliate suggests the 6’8″ big man is holding out hope of making an NBA comeback.
This marks a bit of a pivot for Faried. Just two months ago, he had linked up with Mexican club Soles de Mexicali.
Faried was selected with the No. 22 pick out of Morehead State by the Nuggets in 2011. His motor and hustle endeared him to the Denver faithful almost immediately, and he was named to the 2012 All-Rookie First Team for his efforts. He would go on to spend the majority of his career in Denver before suiting up for the Nets and Rockets.
The 32-year-old has since spent time with teams in China, Puerto Rico, and Russia. After playing for the Trail Blazers’ 2021 Summer League team, Faried then joined the Nuggets’ NBAGL affiliate, the Grand Rapids Gold, for the 2021/22 season. Across 12 games for the Gold last year, including five starts, Faried averaged 10.8 PPG on 53.1% shooting, plus 7.3 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 1.0 APG and 0.6 SPG.
Through his 478 NBA contests, Faried holds averages of 11.4 PPG on 54.6% shooting, plus 8.1 RPG and 1.0 APG.
His stats with Rockets and his play. Was as good as Crowders has been the last three yrs. Last time he played in NBA. Never understood why he wasn’t signed. Heat could have signed him after loosing Crowder. They should sign him now. If he’s in NBA shape. It’s good to see him back.
I’m a big fan of Faried. I always wondered why he and Corey Brewer could not hold a spot on a team. All I can come up with is neither one of them are good at switching defense. But until I hear it from another player or coach I won’t know for sure.
Manimal!!!!