Clippers select Al-Farouq Aminu with eighth overall pick in 2010 NBA draft

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The Los Angeles Clippers selected Wake Forest forward Al-Farouq Aminu with the eighth overall pick in Thursday’s NBA draft.

Aminu, at 6-foot-9 and 215 pounds, is considered one of the best athletes in the draft and should combine with Blake Griffin to form one of the best young forward tandems in the NBA. Aminu has a 7-3 wingspan and is known for his explosive first step. He averaged a double-double last season (15.8 points, 10.7 rebounds) but he struggled at times with turnovers, averaging 3.2 a game last season.

Still, he needs to put on some weight and develop a short jumper to be effective. He also needs to learn how to work with his left hand, as he can tend to be a one-handed player.

Griffin, who the Clippers took with the first overall pick in last year’s draft, missed the entire season with a stress fracture in his left kneecap.

[UPDATE: The Clippers have agreed to trade a future first-round pick to Oklahoma City for the draft rights to Kentucky guard Eric Bledsoe. The Thunder drafted the 6-1 freshman with the 18th overall selection.]

-- Baxter Holmes