Keep or Kick Mavericks’ Free Agents: Al-Farouq Aminu

The Dallas Mavericks potentially have ten players hitting the market this offseason. And if past seasons have shown us anything, a roster overhaul is not out of the question.

We’ll look at every Mavericks free agent and decide if Dallas should attempt to keep them on the roster or to kick them to the curb.

We’ve looked at Tyson Chandler and Monta Ellis, this time is fan favorite, Al-Farouq Aminu.

Apr 26, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Al-Farouq Aminu (7) celebrates making a three point basket against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Al-Farouq Aminu

Season Averages: 5.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, .9 steals, .8 blocks, 41.2% FG

The quiet, minimum offseason signing quickly became a fan favorite. After struggling to gain big minutes early on due to Richard Jefferson and Jae Crowder, Al-Farouq Aminu made his presence felt as the season progressed.

Aminu was easily one of a kind for this Mavericks’ team. His energy, defense, and rebounding were unmatched. Though his offense was tough to watch at times, his presence on the court was always a positive.

With Chandler Parsons‘ injury and the Rajon Rondo debacle, Aminu showed his worth and importance to this team in the postseason. He averaged 11.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1.6 blocks, and shot 54.8% from the field.

Will the Mavs be willing to open the bank to bring back the versatile and energetic forward?

Apr 2, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Al-Farouq Aminu (7) blocks a shot by Houston Rockets center

Dwight Howard

(12) during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Al-Farouq Aminu: Keep or Kick?

Kieran Hairell: Keep ‘Em. Let’s do some word association. Stop when you read a word that you wouldn’t want on your basketball team. Rebounder. Defender. Athletic. Hustler. Scrappy. Young. Length. Payday. Ok, payday is the critical word. Aminu was a great player for the price last year.

The key is wether he’s willing to stay a Mav for fair market value. More importantly, is that fair market in the Mav budget. Let’s hope the Mavs exhibit some fiduciary responsibility to keep Aminu a Mav.

Charles Hughes: Keep. In a narrow sense, it’s almost unfortunate from a cap standpoint that Aminu had the coming out party he did during the playoffs. The organization already seemed poised to re-sign him, but now will likely have to do so at a higher price. This is almost besides the point though, because they need to make doing so one of their higher priorities.

Aminu is good at most of the areas the team struggles with: rebounding, defending, all around-athleticism. He gives them a defensive versatility they’ve missed since Marion’s departure, and one they’ll desperately need especially as Dirk’s ongoing battle with father time enters another round.

Aaron Clements: KEEP ‘EM. Aminu is a vital part of this team, and he claims that he’d like to stay in Dallas. The energy, speed, rebounding, and defense that he brings to the table fit perfectly on this team that otherwise lacks all of those qualities.

Unfortunately, the dude is going to get paid, whether that be in Dallas or elsewhere. Aminu deserves a raise, and he’s going to get it from the Mavs.

Brandon Moore: Keep! Aminu was one of the lone bright spots for the Mavericks in the playoffs. Although because of his solid play in the playoffs hell probably be expecting a little bit more money, but in the end I think its worth it.

He’s a versatile forward and can defend the 3 or the 4 position very well. For what well have to end up paying him, would I would expect would be around $3-4 million, I think he’d be a great keep for the Mavericks!

Daniel Devine: KEEP! I’m not sure what $ value AFA will command, but he showed his value as a player this spring. Aminu showed the versatility to defend 2-4 and is a guy who can make plays on the offensive end without any being called for him. He is a spark off the bench and with Monta gone provides Coach Carlisle with more versatility in the lineup as he can be pulled to defend whomever the Mavs need him to at times as shown by his defense on James Harden in the opening round.

If the Mavs could manage to keep Aminu while upgrading to a more adept 3-and-D player on the wing to start alongside Chandler Parsons like Danny Green, Khris Middleton, or maybe even DeMarre Carroll it would be a huge upgrade than what they feature last season.

Rami Michail: KEEP!!!! No other player matched his postseason production. If his shot can improve just by a little, no reason he shouldn’t impact this team in a big way off the bench.

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