New Orleans Hornets forward Al-Farouq Aminu is no longer playing tentative or struggling to make a contribution. He is emerging, consistently grabbing rebounds, running past defenders and making timely shots.

Aminu has grabbed at least 10 rebounds in seven of the previous nine games since Hornets Head Coach Monty Williams reinserted him into the starting lineup Jan. 5 against the Dallas Mavericks. He is averaging 7.7 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per game while starting 26 games for the Hornets this season.

“Al Farouq is the guy that has played inside of his box and made himself look really good,” Williams said. “But he has made our team look even better. His ability to rebound, play with energy and he is starting to talk more on the floor when we need someone to step up and lead. He is starting to say some things.”

via John Reid of The Times-Picayune