New Orleans forward Al-Farouq Aminu has agreed to sign a two-year deal with the Dallas Mavericks with the second year being a player option, agent Raymond Brothers said. The 23 year old American-Nigerian was the 8th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2014 NBA Draft.
The Mavs though, could only offer Aminu the veteran's minimum. Aminu's signing came after the wake of Rashard Lewis's contract being voided by the Mavs after the team discovered that the shooting big man had to undergo knee surgery. Aminu is expected to fill the void left by the absence of Rashard Lewis though both players posses different styles in their game - Aminu is an athletic rebounding forward who's scoring is limited close to the rim while Lewis was more of a stretch forward in this part of his career.
In recent years, the Mavs normally proceeded without a legit backup for Dirk Nowitzki by moving the versatile Shawn Marion to the Power Forward position when the Big German needed a breather. This summer its highly unlikely that Marion will be coming back given the team's current salary cap situation and roster structure. With that being said, we should be seeing Aminu play some Power Forward with the Mavs this coming season given that he resembles most of Marion's strengths in rebounding, defensive versatility, and energy. He could also back up Chandler Parsons when Dallas wants to play a quick, defensive second unit.
The 6-foot-9, 215-pound forward averaged 6.5 points and 5.5 rebounds in four seasons for the Los Angeles Clippers and New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans. He averaged 7.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1 steal, and .5 blocks for New Orleans last season as a starter. The athletic forward, who has made 16-point, 20 rebound numbers against Dallas twice, will surely provide the Mavs a versatile weapon in the small forward and power forward position.
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