Power Forward: Taj Gibson vs. Al-Farouq Aminu
In all of the matchups we have had on mid-week matchup, this might be one of the least sexy. Two defensive-minded, low-scoring power forwards. Nobody said life in the trenches was glamorous.
Taj Gibson was brought into Minnesota this season to be able to help the young players learn the complex Tom Thibodeau defensive schemes quicker. He was never expected to be an important piece to the offense. His job is to help KAT learn how to play defense in the post more effectively.
Likewise, Al-Farouq Aminu was brought to Portland to be the defensive stopper. With his ability to guard the other team’s best player and defend multiple positions, Aminu is something few teams have: a truly elite defensive player.
Through seven games so far this season, Aminu has been in double-digits for his defensive rating four times. Being in double digits is a good thing. Gibson has only been in double-digits once, making the defense he was brought in for look worse than expected. Even against the lowly Pistons and Pacers, his defensive rating was not good.
The thing that separates the two is defensive versatility. Aminu is able to go out on the perimeter and guard multiple positions. Gibson looks very out-of-place when guarding outside the paint