Aminu on C's radar

[Eddie20]

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/potential-free-agent-al-farouq%20aminu-on-boston-celtics-radar

BOSTON -- When Al-Farouq Aminu signed a two-year, $2.08 million deal with Dallas last summer, the goal was to help the Mavericks win, get some playing time and re-establish his value as an NBA player.

He couldn’t help the Mavericks get past the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs, but his play in the postseason did wonders for his own stock which has him on radar of a number of teams – including the Celtics.

Aminu is a wiry, 6-foot-9 small forward with above-average athleticism, who, more than anything else, hasn’t found that right fit yet.

In the playoffs this season, Aminu seemed to have found that balance.

In Dallas’ five-game series, he averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game while shooting 54.8 percent from the field and 63.6 percent on 3s. And he did this playing 30 minutes a game – something that won’t happen next season when Chandler Parsons (knee) returns to the lineup.

While Aminu doesn’t necessarily move to the front of the Celtics’ offseason wish list, there’s no question he is a player that in part based on his postseason play, has to be given some consideration.

The Celtics are intent on re-signing both Jae Crowder and Jonas Jerebko, whom they acquired from Dallas and Detroit, respectively, this past season.

If the Celtics fail to reach a deal with their own two free agents, don’t be surprised if Aminu becomes a greater priority.

But the Celtics will surely have some competition for Aminu, who was the eighth overall pick in 2010 by the Los Angeles Clippers.

He has a player option that’s worth $1.1 million, but his strong play in the playoffs will likely result in him making himself a free agent this summer.

[Lucky17]

Aminu offers nothing that isn't covered by Crowder or Jerebko. I'll be disappointed if Ainge signs him.

[Eddie20]

Aminu offers nothing that isn't covered by Crowder or Jerebko. I'll be disappointed if Ainge signs him.

Also, Aminu already declined that player option.

I don't know about that, man. He's really long, a better athlete than both, and has better handles.

[Jferrari401]

I like Aminu but if it came down to him vs Crowder I'd take Crowder. His motor and intensity are part of the identity of the Celtics.

[Roy H.]

Aminu offers nothing that isn't covered by Crowder or Jerebko. I'll be disappointed if Ainge signs him.

Yep, exactly.  We don't need more role players (although I'd rate his defense above Jerebko's).

[Lucky17]

Aminu offers nothing that isn't covered by Crowder or Jerebko. I'll be disappointed if Ainge signs him.

I don't know about that, man. He's really long, a better athlete than both, and has better handles.

But a poorer shooter. Is Aminu that much better a defender than either Crowder or Jerebko that his deficiencies in that department can be overlooked? I'm not so sure.

In terms of the prototypical 3 and D skill set, I still take both of them ahead of Aminu.

[nickagneta]

Aminu offers nothing that isn't covered by Crowder or Jerebko. I'll be disappointed if Ainge signs him.

Also, Aminu already declined that player option.

I don't know about that, man. He's really long, a better athlete than both, and has better handles.

Yeah, but he doesn't usually shoot 64% from three. His post season performance was an abberration. If he shoots his normal percentage in the playoffs, he becomes what he always was: a single digits scoring per game guy that rebounds well and plays defense well sporadically.

He is a back up SF in this league and as the article says, is most likely only going to be considered as option B or C(if the C's don't draft a promising SF and Crowder doesn't resign).

[LooseCannon]

You don't need any inside info to think that Aminu is a possible Plan B if someone else overpays Crowder.  It could be his agent floating a rumor to gauge the market.

[Beat LA]

Hmm, from the sounds of that first sentence, it would appear than Aminu is to Dallas as Evan Turner is to us.

[Beat LA]

He really seems to enjoy playing against the Rockets, btw.  Still very impressive, though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWv7fEtuXq4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT9yaoaEfh0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPM1ASC5VpU

[LooseCannon]

Aminu hoping to get a bigger contract due to impressing people in the playoffs makes me wonder if there are guys who will be available for cheaper, in line with a "buy low" philosophy, who the Celtics should go after because they will be under-valued after a poor playoff performance.

[jpotter33]

Funny thing is, if I remember correctly one of the NBA 2K games projected him to be a star in this league lol

[nickagneta]

Funny thing is, if I remember correctly one of the NBA 2K games projected him to be a star in this league lol

Hence some of the screwy opinions you see on this site regarding young players in the NBA. So many teens and youngish 20 something's derive an inordinate amount of their basketball knowledge through those 2K games and this site is, at times, a much worse place because of it.

[gpap]

No interest in him.

Sounds like another Turner

No thanks.

[hpantazo]

I think Ainge is sending out these signals to pressure Crowder's and Jerebko's agents into getting team friendly deals done with the celtics. He's just putting some pressure on them and letting them know he has other options.