Here's why Al-Farouq Aminu is having a breakout season
Al-Farouq Aminu is a former lottery pick who entered the league with high expectations. But after a few disappointing seasons tempered the hype, Aminu found himself in Portland. And, well, everything happens for a reason.
In both Aminu's words and those of his head coach, Terry Stotts, here's why the 25-year-old is currently the third leading scorer on a team that's really starting to turn some heads, per The Oregonian:
Aminu is averaging 14.2 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Both would shatter his previous career highs. A lot is due to a dramatic increase in minutes, but Aminu's game also looks more well-rounded.
He's being asked to do different things, and knocking those responsibilities out of the park. Portland couldn't be any happier with his play so far.
"He just said 'We're going to utilize you in different ways that you haven't been in the past,'" recalled Aminu after a recent Blazers practice in Salt Lake City. "Let me push it on the break, getting me in pick and rolls. I'm normally supposed to just stand in the corner and make that open shot. His offense is a little different and it puts you in a lot of different type of scenarios." "I wanted to give him an opportunity to see what he could do beyond just spotting up on the weakside," said Stotts.
