Dallas Mavericks: Is The Al-Farouq Aminu Experiment Over?
When the Dallas Mavericks signed free-agent small forward Al-Farouq Aminu to a two-year contract for the veteran’s minimum, he was expected to come off the bench and provide the Mavericks with energy, defense and rebounding.
With the decision made not to retain veteran defensive specialist Shawn Marion, Dallas was in need of the attributes that defined Aminu’s game. This sounded like another Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson special: find a low-risk player in free agency with talent and something to prove, then put him in a situation that will allow him to succeed.
All of this sounded great in theory and the fit looked great on paper, but as the 2014-15 season approaches the halfway point, Aminu has slowly fallen out of favor in Dallas. While no specific information has been revealed as to why Aminu rarely sees the court anymore, it is clearly evident that Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle feels uneasy about him in the lineup.
During the first 20 games of the season, Aminu averaged 5.8 points and 3.9 rebounds while playing just under 17 minutes per game. Aminu seemed to embrace his role as an energy guy off the bench and it appeared to be a role that would help the Mavericks’ suspect defense.
Aminu never forced the issue offensively, only attempting more than 10 shots just once in those 20 games.While he was not a true defensive stopper, he appeared be an adequate defender and strong rebounder for a Mavericks’ team that has struggled on the glass all season.
Is the problem on offense?
Aminu has never been perceived as a threat on the offensive end of the court and he has yet to show any signs of improving his offensive game in Dallas. Aminu’s shooting percentage is down from the last two seasons, but the drop has not been drastic. Aminu shot 47 percent from the field during the 2013-14 season in New Orleans, and he is shooting 45 percent from the field this season in Dallas.
Surely Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson did not expect Aminu to transform himself into an offensive threat in one offseason, but they could be disappointed that his outside shot has yet to show any improvement. The Mavericks’ offense is reliant on spacing and if each player does not merit attention on the court, the entire offense could suffer.
The R.J. Factor
Aminu’s main competition for minutes on the Mavericks’ bench is veteran small forward Richard Jefferson. Jefferson (34) has the edge on Aminu in both experience and shooting ability. Jefferson’s ability to stretch the floor ensures the Mavericks’ offense remains potent while the starters are on the bench.
Jefferson has taken advantage of his increase in minutes that started when Dallas traded small forward Jae Crowder to the Boston Celtics in the five-player deal for Rajon Rondo. Jefferson is getting great looks on offense and he is taking advantage of them.
Over the last six games, Jefferson is connecting on 52.7 percent of his shots, per Basketball-Reference.com. Jefferson will continue to see more of the court as long as he continues his efficient play on offense.
Looking ahead
For Aminu to force his way into a prominent role he will have to become more of an impact player when he is on the court. Aminu is an effective rebounding forward and the Mavericks have struggled to rebound the ball all season, yet he continues to spend the majority of his time as an observer on the bench.
Aminu must consistently demonstrate that he can be an impactful defender and rebounder without becoming a liability on offense. He will also have to avoid mental mistakes that will drive head coach Rick Carlisle mad. Carlisle has shown he has no time for young players that fail to quickly grasp their role in the Mavericks’ offensive and defensive sets.
The Mavs have shown they are not afraid to shake up their roster in an effort to contend with the top teams in the Western Conference. If Aminu wants to become a player the Mavericks don’t see as expendable, he will have to begin showing signs of improvement.
With a cap-friendly contract that could be easily moved, the clock is ticking for Aminu to prove he is worthy of a roster spot in Dallas. Aminu could be shopped for frontcourt depth prior to the NBA trade deadline in February if he fails to improve. Aminu’s reputation as a plus defender and rebounder could be intriguing to a team that values those attributes on the court.