The Orlando Magic have lost another key piece in the frontcourt, as Al-Farouq Aminu will be out indefinitely after undergoing a knee procedure. Aminu will be on injured reserve to start the season, but there’s a chance Aminu could return later in the season. Aminu underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. The procedure occurred to find out what was causing the continued swelling in the knee he injured on Nov. 29, 2019, while trying to chase down and contest a layup attempt by Toronto’s Pascal Siakam. The injury was said as a torn meniscus. Aminu wanted to get back on the court quicker, thus enrolling in a rehabilitation program. This choice gave Aminu the best chance to come back quicker.
He later suffered a setback when his knee locked up during a practice and he eventually underwent arthroscopic surgery on January 7th. Steve Clifford, the Head Coach of the Magic, doesn’t think Aminu was ready to be cleared for contact work during preseason training camp. Clifford said Aminu was still “a ways away” from being fully healthy. The team believes the most recent procedure will allow Aminu to complete his initial rehabilitation.
Aminu’s Injury Impact on the Magic
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The Magic signed Al-Farouq Aminu to a three-year contract in 2019 to bolster their frontcourt with well-needed depth. Aminu had a solid 2019-2020 campaign in Orlando, averaging 4.3 PPG and 4.8 RPG. Aminu provided that and pitched in some good defense and rebounding as well. With Jonathan Isaac missing the 2020-2021 season, Aminu was the next man up. Instead, Aminu will join Isaac on injured reserve. Aminu missed 55 games last season due to the injury and should miss some games this season too. With Aminu and Isaac both on IR, Chuma Okeke and Gary Clark will have expanded roles in Orlando this season. The Magic will try to make the playoffs for a third straight season even without those two. Orlando will get their first bit of NBA Preseason action on December 11th against Atlanta.