Kenneth Faried in full “renaissance” in Panathinaikos
At nearly 36 years old, we thought we’d seen just about everything there was to know. Kenneth Faried. The former Nuggets player, the 2014 world champion with Team USA and the author of an interesting start to his career, gradually disappeared from the radar.
No longer truly adapted to the modern game in his hyper athletic position 4 register, but more limited technically, in recent seasons he navigated between the G-League, “exotic” championships (China, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Taiwan) and two unrestricted spots in Europe. It was before his signing last week with Panathinaikosand a more than attractive debut with the legendary Greek club.
Last seen in Puerto Rico over the summer and then in October in Taiwan, Kenneth Faried was immediately in the mood to make up for the absence of numerous interiors, from the French Mathias Lessort former NBA players Richaun Holmes etc Omer Yurtseven.
« I came to Greece from Taiwan, now I’m in the Euroleague and I love it” he exclaimed on Euroleague television Thursday evening after the match against Real Madrid. “It’s a privilege for me to be here. I try to be in the best possible physical condition, to give my best and to bring energy. I’m happy to be here and to play at this level. I can play at any level, wherever I play. It’s nice that they accepted me in the team like this, as if I’m experiencing a rebirth here.”
We also highlight the influence of KSKSL
This express rebirth, however, does not owe to a sudden transformation. “Manimal” is always mounted on springs and uses its frame to find access to the circle. And it works very well.
Paris Basket can attest to that, as the capital club were treated to several early flashes, including a counterattack and a big offensive rebound… despite losing a boot. Less original, but even more spectacular, on Thursday night, Kenneth Faried put Eddie Tavares and his 220 centimeters on the poster.
MANIMAL IS HERE TO STAY
Kenneth Faried posterizes Tavares #MotorolaMagicMoment @Moto I @Paobcgr pic.tvitter.com/djIuVF7mUf
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) November 13, 2025
More than brilliant actions, Kenneth Faried completely changed the game of Panathinaikos, average since the beginning of the season, but the author of two serious victories in Paris and Madrid this week.
All with 17 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks in Paris in 23 minutes, then 16 points and 8 rebounds in 28 minutes from his new interior. ” I don’t care about my stats, they don’t matter” Kenneth Faried responded on Thursday. ” But we won, that’s all that matters to me. »
Pana’s “medicine”.
Impressive with his energy and strong chest, Kenneth Faried brings both ends of the court for himself and his teammates. Former Parisian TJ Shortz can attest to that having just signed his two best outings since joining Panathinaikos, notably with the help of his compatriot’s display.
« In basketball, you want a real pivot that protects the racket” analyzed club technician Ergin Ataman after the meeting in Paris. ” He helped us a lot tonight. In attack, you also need better spacing. When he was on the court, he made some pick-and-rolls and we found more space. »
Fairly stingy with compliments, even frankly harsh in front of the microphones, the Turk was even more complimentary on Thursday after another good performance by his rookie. ” In these two matches, he was our medicine. If you look at Kenneth Faried’s career, he had a great stint in the NBA. He played against my team, Turkey, in the 2014 World Cup with Stephen Curry, James Harden and Anthony Davis. He played for CSKA Moscow (four ends of the game in 2021-2022), then he played in China, Taiwan, Puerto Rico… I didn’t expect what he would bring us so suddenly. He gave us what we needed. In these two matches he replaced Mathias Lesort playing as Mathias. »
Flattering, since the Frenchman was still selected in the top five of the last Euroleague season. To the extent that Ergin Ataman would already see himself continuing the adventure with Faried until the end of the season, although he was originally signed for two months, time to empty the infirmary.
« Now it is very important for our future » announced the coach of Panathinaikos. ” He is a high-level player, we knew that, and the players understood that well. » And Panathinaikos went from a record 5-4 to 7-4, temporarily returned to the Top 6 of the Euroleague.
2025-11-14 14:49:00
