Monty Williams on Aminu

[FlyGirl]

Last season New Orleans Hornets Coach Monty Williams accepted that Al Farouq Aminu needed time to learn his system and making occasional slip-ups would be unavoidable.

But starting with this week’s training camp and going into the regular season, Williams said he doesn’t plan on being as understanding. After playing 66 games for the Hornets last season, the stakes have been raised for Aminu, a third-year player who is competing with Ryan Anderson and rookie Darius Miller for minutes at small forward.

``Al Farouq is going to be in a different role this year and it’s important that he understands that I’m not looking at him as a first- or second- year player anymore,’’ Williams said. ``I’m looking at him to produce and be a major contributor this year.''

http://www.nola.com/hornets/index.ss..._river_default

[Pelicans78]

Aminu will be a very good defensive player in his career. I don't think he can be a reliable starter since he doesn't bring much offensively, but I'm fine with him on the team coming off the bench as a defensive specialist. He will start for now by default, but unfortunately I don't believe he's the long-term answer starting at SF.

[da ThRONe]

Agree it's now or part-ways time with Aminu. Physical talent and size only gets you in the league skill keeps you in it. Hopefully he gets it. 6'9 guys with 7'3 wingspans with his athleticism don't grow on trees.

[Pelicans78]

Agree it's now or part-ways time with Aminu. Physical talent and size only gets you in the league skill keeps you in it. Hopefully he gets it. 6'9 guys with 7'3 wingspans with his athleticism don't grow on trees.

He doesn't have much value in a trade. I think its better keeping just because of his defense since he will be a good defensive player in the league.

[luckyman]

He doesn't have much value in a trade. I think its better keeping just because of his defense since he will be a good defensive player in the league.

The defensive potential on this team right now is scary. Aminu, Davis, Lopez, and Gordon will cause a lot of teams to be stuck in the teens in many quarters this year. Thats hoping Davis doesn't get in foul trouble from team going right at him.

[da ThRONe]

He doesn't have much value in a trade. I think its better keeping just because of his defense since he will be a good defensive player in the league.

We have to pick up his option for next year this Oct. right? So if he's not at least showing improvements by the end of the preseason don't pick up the option.

[Pelicans78]

We have to pick up his option for next year this Oct. right? So if he's not at least showing improvements by the end of the preseason don't pick up the option.

I doubt he will show any offensive improvement in the preseason. He didn't show any during the Olympics. Below average ball-handler and shooter for his position. The question is how much will the team value his defense. I would be fine with him as a backup just because of his defensive potential and he was already pretty good defensively last season.

[Silverfoxx]

Good! Lets put the heat on Aminu ***! It's time!!!

[goat gorilla]

Improvement or not, he is only a stop-gap. He is not the answer at SF for us. I don't hate him. He frustrates me though.

[Razorpens]

Guys Guys lets slow down. I for one think who will make big strides this year. As the pressure wont be on him to score and since he has defensive potential and works hard on the defensive side i think Monty will keep him for just that. He can be a Metta World Peace

[hornetstime247]

The one thing he has got to start doing is attacking the basket and cutting to the basket more. He has to stop roaming around the 3 point arch and just standing around and watching plays happen. He did that too much last year and that is not his game.

[smcgull]

If Monty can't get the best out of him, no one can.

[nolaslim213]

Aminu actually fits well with the team. It would be great if he could hit the open 3, but I'm not holding my breath. He could turn into an elite defender/rebounder, and that is definitely something we can use at the SF position. We already have enough offense between EJ, Anderson, Rivers, Davis, and JSmith.

Also, Monty said we are going to be playing a much faster pace this year offensively, which will SERIOUSLY help Aminu get involved at that end of the floor. All Aminu needs to do is play great defense and rebound, and he'll be a starter here for a long time.

[42]

I am very curious and hopeful.

I'm higher on Aminu than most. I have no idea what his ceiling is (and freely admit it), but he's improved, so he's earned my patience.

[Pelicans78]

I like Aminu's defense and athleticism, but I think his liability on offense will make him a long-term backup. Also, Anderson and Gordon need a SF who can shoot 3's with them. Otherwise, teams will put their SFs on Anderson instead of their PFs and that really won't extend the defense.

[Razorpens]

Aminu actually fits well with the team. It would be great if he could hit the open 3, but I'm not holding my breath. He could turn into an elite defender/rebounder, and that is definitely something we can use at the SF position. We already have enough offense between EJ, Anderson, Rivers, Davis, and JSmith.

Also, Monty said we are going to be playing a much faster pace this year offensively, which will SERIOUSLY help Aminu get involved at that end of the floor. All Aminu needs to do is play great defense and rebound, and he'll be a starter here for a long time.

That's whats up. You always agree with me

[nikkoewan]

I think everyone is in agreement on what Aminu brings. Hopefully we see it. I'm excited to see him on the court with RyNo, Davis, Gordon and Vasquez

[nolaslim213]

I like Aminu's defense and athleticism, but I think his liability on offense will make him a long-term backup. Also, Anderson and Gordon need a SF who can shoot 3's with them. Otherwise, teams will put their SFs on Anderson instead of their PFs and that really won't extend the defense.

That is one way to defend Anderson, but if they do that, then Aminu will blow by any PF trying to guard him. He is a phenomenal athlete, and there are other ways to score than just the 3.

I want to see how much Aminu has developed his post game and his dribble-drive game. If he can get to the rim in 2-3 dribbles, he will be a starter in this league, no question IMO.

That's whats up. You always agree with me

No, no my friend. It is you who always agrees with me

[Pelicans78]

That is one way to defend Anderson, but if they do that, then Aminu will blow by any PF trying to guard him. He is a phenomenal athlete, and there are other ways to score than just the 3.

I want to see how much Aminu has developed his post game and his dribble-drive game. If he can get to the rim in 2-3 dribbles, he will be a starter in this league, no question IMO.

Honestly, I don't think his ball-handling is good enough to consistently drive past defenders. Plus, they can always lay off and make him shoot perimeter shots. I'm hoping Miller can be the guy who makes defenses honest with his perimeter shooting. He won't be quite the defender Aminu is, but I think he can be a good enough defender at SF.

[Vinny6420]

REAL TALK

[da ThRONe]

I doubt he will show any offensive improvement in the preseason. He didn't show any during the Olympics. Below average ball-handler and shooter for his position. The question is how much will the team value his defense. I would be fine with him as a backup just because of his defensive potential and he was already pretty good defensively last season.

If we keep Aminu even if he doesn't show improvement is meh to me. Personally for me if not now then it's time to find another project player. However if Monty and company think it worth sticking with AFA I won't be bothered.

[GeauxSaints53]

Good! Lets put the heat on Aminu ***! It's time!!!

Your sig has been driving me nuts for a while now cuz I just can't figure out for sure what Gordon is saying. Is it, "just answer the call for the Los Angeles Clippers"?

[42]

I thought "This is Eric Gordon of the Los Angeles Clippers"