Ian back to Austin

[mrspurs]

Told yall not to pin yalls hopes on this kid. He didnt impress me when we first grabbed him. And he still didnt impress me during the summer. If he cant beat out the bigs we have now besides Timmy?

[timvp]

Spurs Assign Ian Mahinmi To Austin

SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Spurs announced today that they have assigned center Ian Mahinmi to the Austin Toros, the NBA Development League team owned and operated by the Spurs.

Mahinmi is currently recovering from a sprained right ankle. He will use this assignment to the Toros as an opportunity to get back into basketball shape and complete his rehabilitation.

The 22-year-old Mahinmi is entering his second season with the Spurs. He split the 2007-08 campaign between San Antonio and Austin. Mahinmi started the season in San Antonio, appearing in six games with the Spurs, averaging 3.5 points in 3.8 minutes, before being assigned to the Toros on 11/21.

Mahinmi was named to the 2008 All-NBA Development League First Team. In 46 games with the Toros, he averaged 16.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.70 blocks in 29.6 minutes while shooting .615 (276-449) from the field and .766 (219-286) from the line. Mahinmi ranked 19th in the D-League in scoring, second in field goal percentage, eighth in rebounding and ninth in blocks. For the season Mahinmi posted 16 double-doubles. In four games in the 2008 D-League Playoffs, Mahinmi averaged 18.3 points, 10.8 rebounds and 3.50 blocks in 38.3 minutes.

Mahinmi was selected by the Spurs in the first round of the 2005 NBA Draft with the 28th overall pick. He was signed by the Spurs on 8/23/07 after spending the previous four seasons in the French A League.

http://www.nba.com/spurs/news/mahinmi_austin_081114.html

[hater]

not a surprise. this is just for his rehab. He'll be in a Spurs uniform in a few weeks

[z0sa]

Isn't he just going through training camp for his conditioning, then returning? I'm not sure how the assignments of players to the DLeague works, but I remember reading something along the lines of this somewhere.

This guy really needs to get healthy and in shape, because we need his skillset right now (have been needing it since DRob retired, in fact).

[dbestpro]

This was expected. It's just like a rehab assignment that a major league pitcher takes prior to returning to the big leagues. Don't count discount Mahinmi's value just yet.

[timvp]

This is actually good news. As many of us have speculated, Mahinmi will participate in Toros training camp as a means to get back into shape. He may even play a few games with Austin. But the ultimate goal, according to everyone who has talked about Mahinmi this season, is for him to end up back with the Spurs where he will fight for a spot in the rotation.

Hopefully timing of the assignment indicates that he's healthy enough to start practicing. Seeing how Pop has given Tolliver a great opportunity, I fully trust that he will give Mahinmi the same opportunity whenever he's healthy and back in game shape.

[mrspurs]

Since 2005, and they still cant figure out what to do with him. I think its funny, I really do. And I aint funning about. Its just plain funny.

[Dex]

Good to see his name back in the news, if anything. Forward progress is forward progress.

Austin should be a good chance for him to go through a training camp, regain his legs a little bit, and get into basketball shape without having to do it at the Spurs' expense in game.

Once he's ready, get him back down and let him lock the door on Bonner's doghouse.

[MoSpur]

I think you are looking are looking at this the wrong way mrsspurs. I think he is getting sent down to get into shape. No need to rush him back when A Toll is doing a fine job.

[timvp]

If Mahinmi can win the starting job at center and Tolliver can keep his first big off the bench role, that would great for the future of the franchise.

PG Parker/Hill
SG Mason/Ginobili
SF Udoka/Bowen
PF Duncan
C Mahinmi/Tolliver

:hungry:





/daydream

[Bender]

If Mahinmi can win the starting job at center and Tolliver can keep his first big off the bench role, that would great for the future of the franchise.
even if Tolliver's perimeter shooting doesn't improve... ? it still sucks.

[Dex]

If Mahinmi can win the starting job at center and Tolliver can keep his first big off the bench role, that would great for the future of the franchise.

PG Parker/Hill
SG Mason/Ginobili
SF Udoka/Bowen
PF Duncan
C Mahinmi/Tolliver

:hungry:





/daydream

Granted it's early to say, but do you think Bowen will regain his starting position once Tony and Manu return?

Or if Ime starts actually producing and Bowen maintains his current level of play, do you think Pop will keep him as a bench piece and start the gradual (albeit painful) transition to Udoka?

[mrspurs]

I think you are looking are looking at this the wrong way mrsspurs. I think he is getting sent down to get into shape. No need to rush him back when A Toll is doing a fine job.

Im not looking at this good or bad. But the fact that he can play, and not on this roster since 2005, just doesnt sit well with me. Its not like we've had alot of great Bigs since 2005. And Im going on what I saw when they first picked him up compared to this past summer. I mean if he is healthy why isnt he playing along side Timmy, Tolliver, Kurt, Fab and Matt? There is no reason why he couldnt come in and get into shape while logging in NBA minutes. Dont get me wrong, if goes over the toros and comes back running and blocking shots going 100 miles per hour. Ill surely love being stood corrected. Show me some signs he can play at this level. Then maybe, Ill change my mind. Or maybe there is a big roster move on the horizon. And thats what this is about. :wow

[SenorSpur]

If Mahinmi can win the starting job at center and Tolliver can keep his first big off the bench role, that would great for the future of the franchise.

PG Parker/Hill
SG Mason/Ginobili
SF Udoka/Bowen
PF Duncan
C Mahinmi/Tolliver

:hungry:




/daydream

Couldn't agree more.

By the way, with this announcement, can we assume that Ian is free to practice and begin contact drills?

[galvatron3000]

Told yall not to pin yalls hopes on this kid. He didnt impress me when we first grabbed him. And he still didnt impress me during the summer. If he cant beat out the bigs we have now besides Timmy?

He can't bate out any teams' big with a sprained ankle, give the kid time to heal and let's see what he has to offer the Spurs. He's the only young big we have so hopes are high for all Spurs fans that he can contribute to the team soon.

[timvp]

even if Tolliver's perimeter shooting doesn't improve... ? it still sucks.I said if he can keep his role. To keep his role, he'll have to shoot better than 20% on three-pointers. I'm not convinced he can do it but if he can shoot 35-36% on threes, that could be enough to keep him in the rotation.


Granted it's early to say, but do you think Bowen will regain his starting position once Tony and Manu return?

Or if Ime starts actually producing and Bowen maintains his current level of play, do you think Pop will keep him as a bench piece and start the gradual (albeit painful) transition to Udoka?It's tough to say. Udoka has been horrible as a starter so far but you'd think he'll be able to settle into his role. That said, I'm not sure I like Udoka in with the starters because he isn't a very disciplined shooter. Part of the reason Bowen has worked so well in the starting lineup is he has known his own offensive limitations. Udoka, compared to Bowen, is much more of a gunner ... and that would take shots away from the other starters.

But yeah, eventually the Spurs have to start the transition away from Bowen. The problem is I'm not sure Udoka is the man Pop should transition to. And so far, he's not doing anything to prove otherwise.


By the way, with this announcement, can we assume that Ian is free to practice and begin contact drills?I've been trying to figure that out but I do not think this news means Mahinmi is healthy. I'm guessing this was just the first opportunity to send Mahinmi down to Austin, so it made no difference to do in now or whenever he's healthy. The end result is he's still in Austin.

I guess we'll find out whenever Toros training camp starts if Mahinmi is healthy enough to participate.

[timvp]

The Austin Toros start the journey toward another trip to the NBA D-League Finals on Friday at Southwestern University in Georgetown with the beginning of training camp for the 2008-09 season.

Coming off a franchise best record 32-22 and an NBA D-League Finals appearance, the Toros look to continue the success from the 2007-08 season. Toros head coach Quin Snyder and his staff will have to decide an opening day roster of 10 players by Wednesday, November 26.

Toros training camp features all 10 of the Toros draft picks from this season's NBA D-League Draft and seven other players, including four returning players from the 2007-08 Southwest Division championship team. Two-a-days will begin on Friday and continue through the weekend with a morning and evening practice.

The Toros will host a preseason game on Wednesday, November 19 at 7 p.m. at Eastside Memorial High School against the Rio Grande Valley Vipers. The team finishes the preseason schedule against the Colorado 14ers at 6 p.m. at Bowie High School on Saturday, November 22. Admission to both games is free, donations to the athletic booster clubs of both schools will be accepted.

The Austin Toros begin season four in Austin on November 28 at 7:30 p.m. against the Utah Flash at the Austin Convention Center. For ticket information, please call 512-236-833 or visit austintoros.com.

http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3739714


It looks like we'll find out quickly if Mahinmi is healthy. Training camp for the Toros started today and first preseason game is Wednesday. Hopefully we'll get updates about whether Mahinmi is participating.


*nudges ChumpDumper*

[SenorSpur]

Udoka has been horrible as a starter so far but you'd think he'll be able to settle into his role. That said, I'm not sure I like Udoka in with the starters because he isn't a very disciplined shooter. Part of the reason Bowen has worked so well in the starting lineup is he has known his own offensive limitations. Udoka, compared to Bowen, is much more of a gunner ... and that would take shots away from the other starters.

But yeah, eventually the Spurs have to start the transition away from Bowen. The problem is I'm not sure Udoka is the man Pop should transition to. And so far, he's not doing anything to prove otherwise.


All the more reason why I support the idea of bringing back Hairston. The one thing I remember reading about him, from several posters who saw him during preseason, is that he seemed to understand his role. He didn't try to force his offense. We all know that he's a pretty decent defender, to boot. Perhaps he could be useful as an occasional swing player in a spot role.

[MoSpur]

Get to it Chump

[timvp]

All the more reason why I support the idea of bringing back Hairston. The one thing I remember reading about him, from several posters who saw him during preseason, is that he seemed to understand his role. He didn't try to force his offense. We all know that he's a pretty decent defender, to boot. Perhaps he could be useful as an occasional swing player in a spot role.Speaking of Hairston, he's the other player to watch closely as the Toros begin their season. If he can score, rebound and play good defense, I think he'll be called pretty quickly. However, I'm not sold that he's going to show enough for the Spurs to make a move right away. But we'll see.

If Hairston is averaging ten points, five boards and playing good but not great defense, the Spurs might as well let him stay in Austin for the season and bring him back to training camp next season.

[SenorSpur]

Speaking of Hairston, he's the other player to watch closely as the Toros begin their season. If he can score, rebound and play good defense, I think he'll be called pretty quickly. However, I'm not sold that he's going to show enough for the Spurs to make a move right away. But we'll see.

If Hairston is averaging ten points, five boards and playing good but not great defense, the Spurs might as well let him stay in Austin for the season and bring him back to training camp next season.

The risk, however, is that he could catch the attention of another team and be plucked away.

[HarlemHeat37]

I don't see how this is a bad thing..he's still injured, he needs to get in shape..

[ChumpDumper]

It looks like we'll find out quickly if Mahinmi is healthy. Training camp for the Toros started today and first preseason game is Wednesday. Hopefully we'll get updates about whether Mahinmi is participating.


*nudges ChumpDumper*Wednesdays are tight for me but I should be able to see part of the game. I'm guessing Eastside is what they renamed Johnston High. Saturday will be just fine.

[timvp]

Wednesdays are tight for me but I should be able to see part of the game. I'm guessing Eastside is what they renamed Johnston High. Saturday will be just fine.

Awesome. Thanks :tu

[mrspurs]

Thats the best way to get it done. Hurry up chumpsumpdump....

[ChumpDumper]

Thats the best way to get it done. Hurry up chumpsumpdump....If you ever posted anything coherent, you might get a response other than pity.

[Bender]

I said if he can keep his role. To keep his role, he'll have to shoot better than 20% on three-pointers. I'm not convinced he can do it but if he can shoot 35-36% on threes, that could be enough to keep him in the rotation.
yeah, I remember what you were saying about Tolliver. I was wondering what you thought about about a diff role for him, if his shooting doesn't improve. I like him playing in the paint, at least so far.

[Supergirl]

could this also mean the Spurs are gonna try and sign some extra help in the short term? Doesn't this open up a roster spot?

[ChumpDumper]

could this also mean the Spurs are gonna try and sign some extra help in the short term? Doesn't this open up a roster spot?No, Ian is still on the Spurs' roster while he is assigned to Austin.

[timvp]

yeah, I remember what you were saying about Tolliver. I was wondering what you thought about about a diff role for him, if his shooting doesn't improve. I like him playing in the paint, at least so far.He did knock down a nice 15-footer last game but I still think he needs to be a three-point threat to survive in the NBA. We'll see, though, because the Spurs may be better off with Tolliver than other bigman options even if Tolliver is told to limit is three-point shooting.

[YODA]

I have an observation. has anyone noticed that Fab works real well to get open in the paint but doesnt call for the ball??? The only person who seems to know he is there is Manu in the past. Fab tends to pass up alot more opportunities then need be. Maybe thats why Players tend to not give up the pass to him so much. Thoughts??

[Bender]

I remember when Fab used to take a lot of passes right around the rim for some easy buckets. One game he did it 10 or 11 times. Was that last season or the one before?

[Obstructed_View]

If you ever posted anything coherent, you might get a response other than pity.

Scorn. Don't forget scorn. :tu

[ChumpDumper]

Scorn. Don't forget scorn. :tu:lol I was totally going to post that. I'd probably give him that too if I could decipher his code.

[Magic_Johnson]

I remember when Fab used to take a lot of passes right around the rim for some easy buckets. One game he did it 10 or 11 times. Was that last season or the one before?

against the suns i think

[Obstructed_View]

He did knock down a nice 15-footer last game but I still think he needs to be a three-point threat to survive in the NBA. We'll see, though, because the Spurs may be better off with Tolliver than other bigman options even if Tolliver is told to limit is three-point shooting.

After watching him through preseason and so far in the regular season, it's pretty clear to me that he's, at best, a streaky three point shooter. He's still equally as likely to miss the rim completely as he is to make the shot, which isn't encouraging. I like so much of the rest of Anthony's game that it'd be really nice if he could score a bit. When defenders leave him completely open, he might as well be shooting from 18 feet as from 23 feet. How valuable is a guy like David West just for his ability to consistently hit the outside shot, despite the fact that he never shoots threes? I see no reason why Tolliver couldn't make a living canning those shots.

I'd actually prefer all the Spurs start taking more jump shots from 2 point range. The Spurs will win a game because they shoot 11-18 from three point range and then go cold for six minutes the next game because they miss six in a row, or they'll think that they're good because the long distance shooting covered up the mistakes they made in a game. When you're dying for offense, the bump in shooting percentage more than makes up for the extra point in the long term.

[YODA]

I remember when Fab used to take a lot of passes right around the rim for some easy buckets. One game he did it 10 or 11 times. Was that last season or the one before?

Yes, but where were those passes coming from? Without looking , I bet most came from Manu. Just stating that Fab is in position alot more then we notice and doesnt get the ball or he does, gives it up way to fast.

Didnt mean to bring this into Ian thread, but not worth a new thread

[Brazil]

This is actually good news. As many of us have speculated, Mahinmi will participate in Toros training camp as a means to get back into shape. He may even play a few games with Austin. But the ultimate goal, according to everyone who has talked about Mahinmi this season, is for him to end up back with the Spurs where he will fight for a spot in the rotation.

Hopefully timing of the assignment indicates that he's healthy enough to start practicing. Seeing how Pop has given Tolliver a great opportunity, I fully trust that he will give Mahinmi the same opportunity whenever he's healthy and back in game shape.

I agree with you timvp, no deception here it's a good news. By the way, IMO Oden should go to the D league to get back into shape. I've seen him against Miami he isn't ready to play.

[DMX7]

yeah, has more to do with his rehab than anything else. They're aren't just going to stick him in there.

[Obstructed_View]

Yes, but where were those passes coming from? Without looking , I bet most came from Manu. Just stating that Fab is in position alot more then we notice and doesnt get the ball or he does, gives it up way to fast.

Didnt mean to bring this into Ian thread, but not worth a new thread

I agree. Manu's very good about finding him down there, usually with an amazing pass. But if he's open, the team should find a way to get it to him. It annoys me when a guy battles for position in the post and the other guys on the team don't feed it to him. It's why the Rockets sucked for so many years even though they had Yao.

[all_heart]

Going to the D-league?? He's not coming back. You don't see other players going to the D-league to rehab. I bet it's more like the Spurs want him to kick ass in Austin so he looks better on paper then they will package him in a trade. I just hope we get a decent player in return, given the Spurs history of trading.

[tomtom]

How long do you guys think it'll for him to get back to the Spurs?

[ChumpDumper]

How long do you guys think it'll for him to get back to the Spurs?He'll be back in December if he can stay healthy.

[timvp]

The nice part about the Toros' schedule is that they play their first ten games at home. They don't travel out of Austin until December 18th. The Spurs can keep Mahinmi in Austin for the next month under close supervision and then bring him back, if they so choose.

The other option is to just keep him get about a week's worth of conditioning in before bringing him back to the Spurs. Either scenario is much better than the pre-DLeague days.

[Obstructed_View]

Going to the D-league?? He's not coming back. You don't see other players going to the D-league to rehab. I bet it's more like the Spurs want him to kick ass in Austin so he looks better on paper then they will package him in a trade. I just hope we get a decent player in return, given the Spurs history of trading.

Huh? The Spurs don't have any other players that would qualify for the D-league that need to get back into game shape. Mahinmi's going there for minutes so they can get him back to San Antonio as soon as possible. I'm not sure how some of you think he's going to get game legs back sitting on the bench, walking to his hotel room or getting to practice once a week.

[ChumpDumper]

Cant he get in shape while playing with the Spurs?Not really -- not the way staying in one place for a few weeks with people training as hard as you and being able to play 30mpg right off the bat.
Its not like our front court is worth a damn, now we have to let him warm up with chumps.He would suck horribly if he played right now.


The Spurs are gonna dig themselves into a hole they cant get out of if they dont tighten up.Ian won't help at all if he's not in shape.


Pops needs to take this time to make a move for a big or a small forward.So Ian is irrelevant. Thank you for your contribution.

[ChumpDumper]

Never said Ian is irrelevant, but does he alone solve the shot blocking, rebounding problems we have?He could help.
How many mins is he gonna play?He could play as much as Tolliver is easily.
What if he goes down again.What if the world ends tomorrow?
Thomas and Oberto are not the answer.Great. Trade them for whom?


How bad a shape could he be in.Compared to NBA players? Pretty bad.
I played D1 ball and have had high ankle sprains....it doesnt take long to get your legs back.Good for you. You're amazing.
He could come in and give the spurs 8-10mpg to start and build up.He could suck horribly for 8-10 minutes, sure.

[Obstructed_View]

Never said Ian is irrelevant, but does he alone solve the shot blocking, rebounding problems we have? How many mins is he gonna play? What if he goes down again. Thomas and Oberto are not the answer.

How bad a shape could he be in. I played D1 ball and have had high ankle sprains....it doesnt take long to get your legs back. He could come in and give the spurs 8-10mpg to start and build up.

:lol:lol:lol:lol

Wow, the ridiculousness of your posts are already nearing classic proportions.

[cool hand]

they are hiding him and tryong to sign him for less. this guys is the real deal but the FO is just playing games.

[duncan228]

Spurs' Mahinmi sent to Austin for conditioning (http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/spurs/Spurs_Mahinmi_sent_to_Austin_for_conditioning.html )
By Mike Monroe

The Spurs finally got one of their injured players cleared to begin five-on-five drills, but help for their shorthanded roster remains a few weeks away.

Power forward-center Ian Mahinmi has been assigned to the Spurs’ NBA Development League team, the Austin Toros. The right ankle he sprained in September is finally healed to the point he can begin contact drills.

Mahinmi will use his time with the Toros to get in basketball condition and complete the rehabilitation process on his ankle.

The Toros are in training camp, undergoing two-a-day drills.

“He’s going to practice once, instead of twice a day,” Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said, “and scrimmaging on a limited basis to begin with. But at least he’s out on the court, doing something.”

“He’s got to get in shape and get his rhythm back. He’s going to play, and that’s better than having him sit on the bench up here, that’s for sure.”

There is no timetable for Mahinmi’s potential return to the Spurs roster.

The 22-year-old big man from France split time during his rookie season between San Antonio and Austin, but spent the bulk of the season in the D-League. He averaged 16.8 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 46 games with the Toros in 2008.

[angelbelow]

cant wait until he joins us.

[cherylsteele]

:lol I was totally going to post that. I'd probably give him that too if I could decipher his code.
...---... (S.O.S.)

He is always posting doom and gloom, I don't rmember much of anything postitive from him.

[cherylsteele]

played D1 ball and have had high ankle sprains....it doesnt take long to get your legs back.
You must have been a bench warmer.

[mrspurs]

Ian=waste of time. If he's healthy and is going to play in Austin. Then he isnt ready to play in the NBA yet, its that simple. There is no reason why he couldnt get into shape while in a Spurs uniform. Now im not saying he wont ever come back and play in a spurs uniform. But I cant remember a spurs player going to the Toros to rehab while playing with scrubs. Then again, I dont watch the D-league or the WNBA(unless Fab has the ball in his hands). Maybe they dont let the players in the D-league run at full force. Or maybe, or maybe. I know what Ive seen from this past summer. Thou he had improved since 2005 it wasnt much. And in a year where getting minutes from Pop while Manu and TP are down, come quite easily. I dont see the positive in Ian going back. This should be the perfect time for him to come in and get his feet wet with the bigs in the NBA and in a spurs uniform. Then I remember when we drafted Drob and they told us we would have to wait for 2 years. I didnt like that idea at the time. And it all worked out well. But this kid isnt no Drob.

[polandprzem]

PG Parker/Hill
SG Mason/Ginobili
SF Udoka/Bowen
PF Duncan
C Mahinmi/Tolliver

This is what we need on the froncourt + Oberto and role player Kurt Thomas.

[TDMVPDPOY]

i knew this guy was a busts, we shouldve sign that other guy who was the savior...jesus...then again he would put our teams AGE avg above the roof....

[Obstructed_View]

Ian=waste of time. If he's healthy and is going to play in Austin. Then he isnt ready to play in the NBA yet, its that simple. There is no reason why he couldnt get into shape while in a Spurs uniform. Now im not saying he wont ever come back and play in a spurs uniform. But I cant remember a spurs player going to the Toros to rehab while playing with scrubs. Then again, I dont watch the D-league or the WNBA(unless Fab has the ball in his hands). Maybe they dont let the players in the D-league run at full force. Or maybe, or maybe. I know what Ive seen from this past summer. Thou he had improved since 2005 it wasnt much. And in a year where getting minutes from Pop while Manu and TP are down, come quite easily. I dont see the positive in Ian going back. This should be the perfect time for him to come in and get his feet wet with the bigs in the NBA and in a spurs uniform. Then I remember when we drafted Drob and they told us we would have to wait for 2 years. I didnt like that idea at the time. And it all worked out well. But this kid isnt no Drob.

You are so dumb it just boggles the normal human mind.

[Russ]

All this guy needs to be able to do is (1) run the floor and (2) play a little interior D. With this roster, he's in the rotation if he's just another Elson.

So why is he being protected by the Spurs more than McCain did Sarah Palin? :(

[Obstructed_View]

All this guy needs to be able to do is (1) run the floor and (2) play a little interior D. With this roster, he's in the rotation if he's just another Elson.

Which is precisely why he's going to Austin, so he can run the floor and get back into shape as quickly as possible. The Spurs don't practice every day during the regular season, and they spend a lot of time on planes, buses and sitting in hotel rooms. Ian's going to Austin so he can practice every day and get into games where it doesn't matter how he plays as long as he's getting into shape. Then he can come back sooner to San Antonio and concentrate on his play instead of on his conditioning when he's in the game.

[HarlemHeat37]

exactly..I don't know why that's so difficult to understand..

we're still going to be in games, even without Manu and Parker..we can't afford to have our young guy trying to get in shape during key games at this time..there's no reason that going to Austin to get in shape is a bad thing..