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Chicago Bulls: 3 goals for Al-Farouq Aminu next season

By Thomas J. Brown

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 30: Al-Farouq Aminu #5 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up the court against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on April 30, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bucks defeated the Bulls 108-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 30: Al-Farouq Aminu #5 of the Chicago Bulls brings the ball up the court against the Milwaukee Bucks at the United Center on April 30, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bucks defeated the Bulls 108-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls (Photo credit should read STR/AFP via Getty Images) /

Chicago Bulls goals for Al-Farouq Aminu: 1. Stay healthy

Former New York Giants head coach, Bill Parcells, once said: “The best ability is availability.” Throughout the history of sports, iron men like Cal Ripken Jr. and AC Green have been celebrated for their active streaks. Avoiding serious injury and having the ability to play through minor injuries can often be the difference between winning and losing.

In November of 2019, Al-Farouq Aminu suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. The doctors were unsure of how long he would be out; the initial prognosis projected he would be able to return to action during the season. However, as time lingered on, Aminu eventually opted to have surgery. Eventually, he was cleared to play. He took the floor for the first time in a contest in February of 2021, more than a year after the injury.

While Aminu was able to return to action before the Bulls acquired him at the trade deadline, it was clear he’d lost some of the explosiveness that made him a key part of the Portland Trailblazers’ rotation once upon a time. This upcoming offseason will be the first time in almost two years that Aminu has a chance to work on his game with a fully healthy body. Chicago is hoping that the 6’8″ combo-forward can return to form. If so, he gives the team an experienced veteran with a physique similar to up-and-coming prospect Patrick Williams. Coach Donovan would love to have a guy who can push one of his future cornerstones every day in practice. If healthy, Aminu can do just that.

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