Here is a list of three effects that could possibly result from Al-Farouq Aminu missing some time.
Al-Farouq Aminu of the Portland Trail Blazers was forced to take an early exit from Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday during the team’s game against the Utah Jazz, sustaining what appeared to be a severely rolled ankle as he battled to rebound a miss from Jusuf Nurkic.
To elaborate: the Blazers were working to protect a 92-89 lead with just over two minutes left in the contest. Aminu was coming down the break, passing the ball to C.J. McCollum for a transition 3-pointer from the right wing.
Unfortunately for Rip City, McCollum’s shot attempt went in and out. Nurkic was able to tip the ball and secure an offensive rebound, taking another dribble inside to try a contested layup. Nurkic missed the layup, leading to the sequence that resulted in Chief’s rolled ankle.
Aminu limped off the court and didn’t return to the game, which eventually ended in a 112-103 defeat for the Blazers. According to multiple Portland Trail Blazers beat writers, Aminu was seen leaving the arena in a walking boot.
Blazers say X-rays are negative on Al-Farouq Aminu’s right ankle and left wrist. He had noticeable limp in locker room
— Jason Quick (@jwquick) November 2, 2017
In addition, Aminu suffered a wrist injury with just seconds left in the second quarter. He stayed in the game, visibly injuring it further after halftime. Postgame MRI scans, however, turned up negative, revealing that there was no structural damage to Aminu’s right ankle or left wrist.
Though it remains to be seen whether Chief will miss any significant time, NBC Sports Northwest revealed that the swelling in Aminu’s ankle looks to be quite serious. Should he miss more than just a couple games, here’s a couple things you can expect to result from his extended absence.