Kenneth Faried’s journey to NBA success is a testament to perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. With a physique initially likened to a coat hanger, Faried defied expectations to build a commendable eight-year career in the NBA, where he averaged 11.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.
Growing up, Faried faced insecurities regarding his physical stature. He found inspiration in basketball legends such as Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman, both known for their tenacity despite being considered undersized for their positions. Faried recalled watching the Chicago Bulls during their championship runs and noted how seeing players like Rodman and Barkley excel motivated him to overcome his own height challenges. “I can do this; I can play at that level. I just got to believe and put the work in,” he said.
Faried’s athleticism is rooted in his family; his mother, Waudda, was a track star inducted into the Newark Athletic Hall of Fame. While he did not experience a significant growth spurt until tenth grade, eventually reaching 6’8″, he still battled mental hurdles about being shorter than many of his peers in the league.
The tenacity that characterized his style of play was evident from the beginning of his career. Faried made a strong impression in his first five seasons but was ultimately out of the league by the eighth year due to a shift in basketball philosophy that leaned towards a pace-and-space play style, often sidelining traditional rebounding-centric players.
Despite a career that ended sooner than many expected, Faried’s accolades are noteworthy. He was part of the United States national team that captured gold at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, ranking as the third-leading scorer and the leading rebounder for his squad, which included stars like Stephen Curry and DeMarcus Cousins.
Kenneth Faried’s story reflects resilience and adaptability and serves as both an inspiration and a reminder that determination can pave the way to success, regardless of initial obstacles. His legacy continues to resonate with aspiring athletes who face similar challenges, proving that with hard work and belief, greatness is achievable.