The Portland Trailblazers have had one of the busier summers so far compared to other NBA teams. They were able to lure in a free agent and successfully signed their own to new contracts.
Coming off a season, which a lot of people consider as an overachievement, things are looking even brighter for them now.
One of the players that helped them reach the playoffs last season was Al-Farouq Aminu. The 6'9″ small forward had a breakout year for the Blazers as he averaged career highs of 10.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 28.5 minutes.
Now that he has showcased what he can do when given playing time, head coach Terry Stotts has bigger plans for the Wake Forrest product this coming season.
After having a key addition to their roster in swingman Evan Turner, the 58-year-old bench tactician stated in a recent interview with Zach Lowe of ESPN that he wants to start Aminu at the power forward position, and even said that he'll get the lion's share of its minutes.
He has just the right height to defend some power forwards in the league at 6'9″, while his speed makes it possible for him to even guard small forwards as he displayed last season. On the offensive end, he can serve as the stretch-four that the team needs who can create more room for Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum to attack the basket.
At four years and $30 million, Aminu's contract is considered an absolute bargain for the team given the overspending the league has seen this free agency, and factoring in that he started all 82 games last season, his durability also comes in handy.
It is worth monitoring how his move to the other forward position will help his team win more games and what this move can do for his career.
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