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Best of all: Faried is shooting 56 percent on post-ups since the All-Star break. Look at that number again. Among all players who have recorded 75 post-ups this season, or about one per game, just one has shot better that: Shaun Livingston. “Now people are saying, ‘Hey, maybe he can get you 15 or 20 a night,’” Faried says. “And that I can do it without breaking a sweat.”

But he’s better, and his improved post game has opened some eyes. Denver was willing to trade Faried in part because it feared he would demand an eight-figure salary in free agency, and perhaps even draw an offer sheet from another team carrying that kind of payday. (Faried is eligible for an extension after this season, and if he and the Nuggets can’t agree on one before October 31, he will become a restricted free agent after next season.) That’s too much for a below-average defender who can’t shoot or get buckets in the half-court, especially under Shaw, who prizes well-rounded bigs.

This version of Faried requires more thought. His effort and spirit have value on their own. “He brings a great deal of confidence to a team,” Karl says. “A team that plays hard every night, and has that in their personality, is harder to beat than a skilled team that doesn’t play hard every night.”