Al-Farouq Aminu, known for his defensive prowess and rebounding ability, played in the NBA for several teams over a decade-long career. Born on September 21, 1990, in Atlanta, Georgia, Aminu attended Norcross High School, where he excelled in basketball and earned McDonald's All-American honors. He then went on to play college basketball at Wake Forest University, where he spent two seasons with the Demon Deacons, showcasing his skills as a forward.
In the 2010 NBA Draft, Aminu was selected as the eighth overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers. During his rookie season with the Clippers, he played in 81 games, averaging 5.6 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. His time with the Clippers was short-lived, as he was traded to the New Orleans Hornets (later renamed the Pelicans) in December 2011 as part of a deal involving Chris Paul.
Aminu spent three seasons with the New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans, where he became known for his defensive capabilities and rebounding. In the 2012-2013 season, he averaged a career-high 7.7 rebounds per game, along with 7.3 points. His ability to guard multiple positions made him a valuable asset to the team, and he often took on the challenge of defending the opposing team's best players.
In 2014, Aminu signed with the Dallas Mavericks, where he played for one season. During his time with the Mavericks, he continued to be a defensive stalwart, contributing to the team's playoff run. Aminu's performance in the playoffs, particularly his defense and energy off the bench, earned him recognition and increased interest from other teams.
The following year, Aminu joined the Portland Trail Blazers, signing a four-year contract. His tenure with the Trail Blazers marked a period of stability and growth in his career. Aminu became a regular starter for Portland, known for his defensive versatility and ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting. During the 2015-2016 season, he averaged 10.2 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, helping the Trail Blazers reach the playoffs.
Aminu's role with the Trail Blazers remained consistent over the next few seasons. He was a key part of the team's rotation, providing defense, rebounding, and occasional scoring. In the 2018-2019 season, Aminu played a crucial role in helping the Trail Blazers reach the Western Conference Finals, where they were eventually defeated by the Golden State Warriors.
In 2019, Aminu signed with the Orlando Magic. However, his time with the Magic was marred by injuries, limiting his playing time and impact on the court. Despite these setbacks, Aminu continued to be a respected veteran presence in the locker room.
In March 2021, Aminu was traded to the Chicago Bulls as part of a deal involving Nikola Vučević. He played a limited role with the Bulls, appearing in just six games before being waived in September 2021.
Throughout his NBA career, Al-Farouq Aminu was known for his defensive skills, rebounding, and ability to guard multiple positions.
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