He goes by the nickname Chief, except in March, when he prefers the Spanish version El Jefe. But after an injury-riddled, cold-shooting, circus-like season that has played a role in the Portland Trail Blazers' woes, you might as well just call Al-Farouq Aminu Red Hot.
The player who was so instrumental in the Blazers' late-season surge last season is at it again, adding an important dimension to a struggling team trying to save a lost season with a playoff berth.
Aminu finished with 23 points and six assists and continued his hot shooting Saturday night during a 130-116 victory over the Brooklyn Nets at the Moda Center.
"Loved the Chief tonight," Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. "I'm glad he had a night like tonight when all those people in December were telling him to stop shooting. It looks like he's in a really good rhythm, good groove. He's playing at a very good level."
Aminu made 9 of 13 field goals, including 5 of 6 three-pointers, and it looks like he's finally moved past that forgettable early-season cold streak. The player that opened the season by making 3 of 20 threes and endured 0-for-6 and 1-for-5 long-range shooting nights more than one would like is finally feeling it. Aminu is shooting 47 percent from three-point range (21 of 45) over the last 11 games and has made a three in 10 consecutive games, the second-longest streak of his career.
Aminu has reached double figures in scoring 15 times this season -- and seven have come in the last nine games, when he's averaged 13.8 points and 8.0 rebounds.
"He's been great," Moe Harkless said of Aminu. "He's shooting the ball really well. He's getting to the basket, getting to the free throw line. He's been great."
So, what has changed?
According to Aminu ... nothing. He hasn't hoisted extra shots. He hasn't changed his shooting regimen. And even though teammates swear they've seen him arrive at the arena earlier than normal, he says he hasn't changed his pregame routine.
"You can't cause this," he said, smirking. "I'm just shooting."
It's been an adventure watching Aminu this season. When he touches the ball, you don't know if he's going to bumble a driving layup or blow past a defender for a highlight-reel dunk. His rainbow jumper is just as likely to carom off the backboard as it is splash through the net without touching the rim. He's been such an eyesore at times, ESPN's Zach Lowe bludgeoned him Friday, writing: "Uh oh. Aminu's pointy-elbowed fling has regressed back to the point where you can almost hear the ball screaming, 'WHERE AM I GOING? I AM VERY HIGH IN THE AIR AND IT SEEMS LIKE I'M HEADED FOR THE BACKBOARD! HELP!!!!!!'"
But if you think that assault was a motivator Saturday night, think again.
"I haven't read anything in about five years, Aminu said, laughing.
Instead, Aminu said, his health is improving and he's becoming more comfortable with his new role off the bench. Aminu has missed 20 games this season with left calf, left knee and back ailments, but is nearing 100 percent. And what about that early-season shooting slump?
Aminu, who is averaging 8.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, while shooting 32 percent from three-point range this season, said he's barely thought about it. As the Blazers' most important defender, he says his value extends beyond shooting.
"I don't try to hang my head on just one thing," he said. "I try to be a versatile player for this team. If I'm not going to get a lot of buckets, then I'm going to try to get some stops. If I can't get some stops, I'm going to try to get some assists. If I can't get assists, I'm going to try to get rebounds. I'm going to do something to (make) a positive impact on the team."
And this positive impact just happens to come the same month the NBA celebrates fans and players across U.S. Hispanic communities and Latin America as part of "La NBA."
"It's Spanish month, so The Chief is El Jefe," he said. "I just thought of it."
Joe Freeman | jfreeman@oregonian.com | 503-294-5183 | @BlazerFreeman