Team USA Basketball, as expected, seems unbeatable in pool play. It was a chance for the coaching staff so see the potential of their team, and they delivered with (literally) flying colors. One player whose performance on the international stage might make a difference on the international stage is Kenneth Faried.

Also known as the "Manimal" for his beastly energy and restlessness, Faried has shown different aspects of his game, including a vastly underrated offense.

At the start of the previous season, there were trade rumors that surrounded Faried, as the Denver Nuggets seemed to hesitate on whether he would be worth a huge payday (which he is certain to demand). With his current play, he is slowly becoming a household name, and the Nuggets may look like fools to let him walk.

Bleacher Report says:

"While Faried's value to the Nuggets has been obvious since being drafted 22nd overall in 2011, it can be argued that he has started to reach that next level of play this summer with Team USA. Most expected Faried to be a role player under head coach Mike Krzyzewski, but he has been one of the driving forces behind the United States' success."

The Denver Post has reported that the Nuggets are already in the process of locking up the Manimal before other teams gain the right to take a shot:

"Kenneth was great. I think there was an adjustment period with Kenneth and (head coach) Brian (Shaw). And for the last couple of months he was playing at as high a level as anybody. He's the heart and soul of our team. His consistent energy and toughness, I was really happy to see. I think he grew this year. I think he really improved on both ends, not just the offensive end. He's a guy that's going to play a huge role in our success moving forward. ... I'm hopeful that we'll have good discussions this summer with his representation and we'll see if we can't figure something out."

Will the Manimal become a Big Shot in the NBA? It's a matter of 'when' not 'if' at this point.