DENVER - High-flying Kenneth Faried received quite a raise for elevating his game last season. Edson Alvarez Jersey .The Denver Nuggets forward has agreed to a four-year, $50 million contract extension, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.The person spoke Tuesday night on condition of anonymity because the team has yet to announce the deal. Denver had until Oct. 31 to negotiate a new contract for Faried or he would have become a restricted free agent next summer.Faried averaged a career-high 13.7 points last season, and he also grabbed 8.6 rebounds per game. Because of his recent improvement, all eyes will be on him this year.Thats why Nuggets coach Brian Shaw said that in order for Faried to take his game to even loftier heights, he may have to slightly alter the way he plays. Shaw believes teams are going to show Faried as much respect as they do, say, point guard Ty Lawson or newly acquired guard Arron Afflalo.He will be a point of emphasis for other teams to game plan against, whereas before maybe he wasnt, Shaw said Tuesday after the team met for a film session following a preseason loss to the Los Angeles Lakers the night before in San Diego. Its what every player goes through that reaches that level.Star players, once they have an effective season, the next season, teams start double-teaming them and game-planning specifically for the strengths you bring to the floor. He has to learn how to negotiate through that.Yahoo Sports and The Denver Post were the first to report the details of the agreement.The player nicknamed Manimal received quite a confidence boost suiting up for Team USA this summer and helping it capture a gold medal at the Basketball World Cup. He was even asked by coach Mike Krzyzewski to be one of the leaders on the American team, a role hes hoping to bring to the Nuggets this season.Faried was a first-round pick of the Nuggets in 2011 after becoming the modern-day career rebounding leader at Morehead State, surpassing the mark Tim Duncan set at Wake Forest. Faried has long maintained he could be an impact player in the league, even if he doesnt possess one of the most polished jumpers.Instead, he relies on hustle, hard work and a knack for being in the right spot.Ive been believing my whole life I could be a star a superstar in this league, Faried said recently. I dont believe I take a back seat to nobody.The 6-foot-8 Faried got off to a sluggish start in the exhibition loss to the Lakers, scoring six points and grabbing one rebound.Only got one rebound, Shaw said. Hes going to have to do better in that area.Shaw and Faried reached an agreement last season, one that made the already speedy Nuggets even faster: Go after a defensive rebound as vigorously as he did on the offensive glass and Faried could push the ball up the court.I gave him the freedom to use that raw energy and athleticism to get our break going, Shaw said. I envision that in this coming season. Miguel Layun Jersey .ca has you covered for whos in, whos out and what to expect from all 30 teams. Raul Jimenez Jersey . -- Albert Pujols is thrilled to have a reason to forget about his first two disappointing seasons with the Los Angeles Angels. http://www.soccermexicojerseysteamstore.com/jesus-molina-mexico-jersey/ .com) - The Vancouver Canucks hope an upcoming stretch of home games will be enough to get the club into the postseason.Chris Smalling says team-mate Daley Blind deserves more credit for his seamless switch to the heart of Manchester Uniteds defence. Uniteds 1-0 victory over Everton last Sunday was their 15th clean sheet of the campaign and England defender Smalling insists Blind has played a major part in keeping alive the Reds hopes of a top-four finish.Blind was utilised primarily as a midfielder when he joined from Ajax in 2014, but has spent most of this season at centre-back due to an injury to Phil Jones. Its great knowing he is naturally a midfielder, so he has that passing range and ability down to a tee and defensively he is very sound as well, Smalling said.He deserves more plaudits and I think he will get them if he carries on playing the way he is playing. Everyone is standing up and taking note that Daley is one of the mainstays of this team and he is keeping us ticking. Blind (left) deserves more plaudits, says Smalling (right) Louis van Gaal decided to put his trust in Blind rather than enter the transfer market and Smalling believes his faith in his fellow-Dutchman has paid off for the United manager. Javier Hernandez Jersey. .We know we can rely on each other, he added. When there is a situation you dont have to over cover because you dont trust your partner. We trust each other fully and we bring out the best in each other as the games have gone on. Hes a joy to play alongside.United, who beat rivals Manchester City 1-0 prior to their win over Everton, will be looking for a third successive Premier League victory when they take on title-chasing Tottenham at White Hart Lane this Sunday, live on Sky Sports. Also See: Shaw resumes light training Herrera: Were better than City Schmeichel tops Power Rankings Fourth may not secure CL spot ' ' '