Kenneth Faried 'extremely surprised' by starting role for Team USA

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried was "extremely surprised" by his starting role with Team USA.

Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried was "extremely surprised" by his starting role with Team USA, Faried told Nuggets.com's Aaron Lopez.

Faried, who entered training camp on the bubble to make the team, became a starter after Kevin Durant withdrew and Paul George broke his leg.

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Faried started against the Dominican Republic on Wednesday along with Stephen Curry, Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Anthony Davis. He scored four points, had five rebounds and blocked a shot in 11 minutes.

Team USA plays Puerto Rico on Friday night before it leaves for Spain, and head coach Mike Krzyzewski plans to cut the roster to 12 by Saturday. Point guard Derrick Rose said he plans to play in Friday's game, despite lingering knee soreness.

Team USA opens play in the FIBA World Cup on Aug. 30.

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​- Paul Palladino