Mavericks' Free Agent Target Analysis: Al-Farouq Aminu
Well for Mavs fans, the NBA offseason is here. While it is extremely exciting to see what the front office can do, the results always bring about mixed feelings among fans. Starting today (May 19, 2015) I will begin to review every free agent Cuban and the Mavs will (or should) target this summer. We’ll look at pros, cons, and a career history of each player.
Let’s start with a very recent Maverick and an obvious fan-favorite: Al-Farouq Aminu. We all know how much Aminu contributed to this team down the stretch and, but can he keep it up next season and beyond? Let’s explore the man they call “The Chief”:
Career History of Al-Farouq Aminu:
Aminu was drafted out of Wake Forest in 2010 by the Los Angeles Clippers with the 8th pick. In the blockbuster Chris Paul trade, Aminu was sent to the New Orleans Pelicans (then Hornets). Aminu never lived up to his full potential with either of these teams, which made him a prime candidate for one of the Mavericks “fallen angel” projects in the summer of 2014. Al-Farouq was signed to a two year minimum contract. The second year of Aminu’s contract is a player option and he has obviously decided to opt out (the second year would only pay him $1.1 million). The Mavs have 3 players with player options going into this summer: Al-Farouq Aminu (Opting Out), Raymond Felton (Opting IN), and Monta Ellis (Remains Undecided). So now that we know that “The Chief” will be on the market this summer, should the Mavs do all they can to keep him, or let him walk?
PROS AND CONS OF “THE CHIEF”:
Pros:
• 24 years old. Aminu’s age gives the Mavs security to sign him to a longer contract and he could be a building block for the future.
• Athleticism. Farouq’s freaky athleticism was on display throughout the season. The dude goes up for rebounds that everyone else would wait for to come down and he could make plays that most power forwards could not pull off.
• Versatility. At 6’9 Aminu could defend shooting guards, small forwards, and power forwards. We saw him do an incredible job on James Harden in the playoffs, and was a lock down defender on players such as Lamarcus Aldridge, Lebron James, and countless others.
• “Coachability”. “The Chief’s” season started out with limited playing time, but he eventually earned coach Carlisle’s trust. This shows incredible maturity and trust in Coach’s plan, and it ultimately worked out for him and the team.
• Last but certainly not least: Aminu’s love for Dallas and the fans. Take one look at Aminu’s Twitter (@farouq1) and you’ll see what I’m talking about. This guy retweets multiple fans a day asking him to stay in Dallas. He’s gone on multiple following sprees and has made it clear that he wants to be here. The Twitter thing may not seem like a big deal, but it’s the little things that count.
Cons:
• Streaky shooting. Farouq was never expected to be a good shooter for the Mavs, but he showed some signs of improvement. Aminu’s field goal percentage was around 41%, but his three point percentage was an ugly 27%. Farouq had the green light all season to take the three. Some games (example: the playoffs) he was on and some he was off. Simple as that.
• Asking price. While Aminu clearly deserves an increase in pay, his asking price could go a little too high. Everyone always loves to make a big deal out of players playing well in their contract year, but let’s hope that this isn’t the only explanation of Farouq’s breakout year. The Mavs are looking at many big name free agents, which could ultimately hurt their spending for the bench. Who knows what Aminu’s asking price is, but it could be higher than the Mavs would like.
• Size for a power forward. Coach loved to put Aminu in the backup 4 spot even though his natural position has been a 3. While 6’9 is an average height for a power forward, Farouq only weighs about 215 pounds. An average NBA power forward weighs about 250 pounds. Aminu proved that he can defend a big man, but his post defense could take a hit with his playing weight.
• Creating shots. As creative as Aminu is with his energizing dunks and put backs on the offensive glass, he doesn't have the ability to create his own shots. Aminu can’t pull up off the dribble and he doesn't have the softest touch around the rim. He can drive very well, but if he isn’t dunking it then you never know what you’re going to get.
All in all, it seems like every Mavs fan wants to see Al-Farouq Aminu back in a Mavericks jersey in 2015. Farouq can’t do everything, but he does more than enough for a player that will be coming off the bench. The energy that he brings to the AAC and his intangibles are more than enough to bring him back. If Aminu’s shot continues to improve (I believe it will), then he will be a 6th man candidate for years to come. Hopefully those years will be in a Mavericks jersey. Pay the man! He’s well worth it.
