Kenneth Faried has noticed the increased respect he is receiving due to his play for Team USA in the World Cup.

"I'm starting to gain respect," Faried said. "People are starting to respect me more. And I'm excited about that. But I'm more focused right now on just trying to get the gold. I want to win that gold medal so I can hang it with the rest of the accolades I've gotten that people thought I couldn't get. My mom will be ecstatic about that and my dad will be, too."

Faried said he is not concerned about his contractual status but will focus on it once he is finished with Team USA. Faried can negotiate a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets until Oct. 31.

"I'm not worried about [the Oct. 31 deadline for a contract extension] right now," Faried said. "After this is over with, then I'll focus on what's going on outside of just stepping on the court and moneywise and things like that. [But] I do feel as though I've opened eyes, and people are starting to show respect now. So that's a great honor to have and recognize who you are."