Ian Mahinmi

[mountainballer]

So if Ian goes into the playoffs next year averaging 5 & 5 in 15 mpg, I think the Spurs will consider it mission accomplished. And anything resembling occasional double figures in pts or rebounds would be gravy.

you realize that 5+5 in 15 MPG are fantastic numbers for a big (not named Duncan) in the Spurs system? (in other words, gravy numbers)
if he in fact plays 15MPG, this would mean, that he took the #4 spot in the big rotation (ahead of Bonner). even a 4+4 is a very nice production for this minutes in this role.

I think it's more realistic that he moves up to the #5 spot in the big rotation, this would mean he will get around 10 MPG and a DNP every 3rd game.
but our problem isn't the #4 or #5 spot anyhow. the problem is the #2 in the big rotation. a player with the quality of Horry and KT before they turned 34. then Fab and KT would take the #3 and #4 spot (playing about 18 and 15 MPG) and Ian is #5.

[Tully365]

Here are some stats for comparison:

Nazr Mohammed '05-06
17.4 mpg
5.2 rpg
6.2 ppg

Elson '06-07
19 mpg
4.8rpg
5 ppg

Nesterovic '05-06
18.9 mpg
3.9 rpg
4.5 ppg

Bonner '07-08
12.5 mpg
2.8 rpg
4.8 ppg

At this point, I see KT and Oberto getting playing time based heavily on match ups, and it seems to me that the best case scenario would be for Mahinmi to make this a somewhat balanced trio come the '09 playoffs.
I agree with you that 4 & 4 might be more realistic. We'll see about Bonner and maybe Tolliver... but, overall, I do see the potential for a slight improvement compared with the start of the '07-08 season, if for no other reason then we'll most likely have healthier bigs with a slightly younger average age. Nothing major... but the chance for a small step forward. Still wish they'd signed Gist, though.

[mountainballer]

Here are some stats for comparison:

Nazr Mohammed '05-06
17.4 mpg
5.2 rpg
6.2 ppg

Elson '06-07
19 mpg
4.8rpg
5 ppg

Nesterovic '05-06
18.9 mpg
3.9 rpg
4.5 ppg

Bonner '07-08
12.5 mpg
2.8 rpg
4.8 ppg

At this point, I see KT and Oberto getting playing time based heavily on match ups, and it seems to me that the best case scenario would be for Mahinmi to make this a somewhat balanced trio come the '09 playoffs.
I agree with you that 4 & 4 might be more realistic. We'll see about Bonner and maybe Tolliver... but, overall, I do see the potential for a slight improvement compared with the start of the '07-08 season, if for no other reason then we'll most likely have healthier bigs with a slightly younger average age. Nothing major... but the chance for a small step forward. Still wish they'd signed Gist, though.

I know this numbers, that's why I mentioned a 5+5 in 15MPG would be fantastic.
the last time we saw somehow "big" production from a big next to Tim was in the 2005 PO, when either Horry (9 PPG) and Nazr (7+7) delivered significant numbers.

the thing about the big rotation is, that Pop isn't very flexible. he will play a 4+1 rotation in the regular season (4 big men rotation with a 5th player getting occasionally minutes) and this rotation will be cut to 3+1 in the PO. so Pop won't switch this 5th spot from game to game and just based on some match ups. if Ian plays really good, he might get the chance to move up one spot in the rotation, then he could be the #4 and get about 15 MPG and maybe in fact deliver a 4+4.

but as mentioned, I still believe we need to close the gap between Tim and whoever is #2 via trade. we will desperately need a guy, who plays about 25 MPG and delivers something like 8+8. (a smart role player big like Nick Collison would be perfect, but not easy to get of course). if this #2 big is more of a rebounding machine, so be it. then we would need a 5+9 (plus good defense) from a player type like Foster or Przbilla. so or so, it's not something we can expect from Ian this season (if ever).

[urunobili]

if he can match Elson's numbers with i'll be happy with Ian... more than that.. even better and bigger surprise at least for me...

[RuffnReadyOzStyle]

TD-KT-Fab-Ian-Red Rocket is an intriguing bigman lineup... if it clicks. A brute, a finesse, a leaper and a shooter (hopefully he has a better year) next to TD.

If Ian is active on the boards, blocks shots from the weakside, and isn't a liability on defence, I'm happy.

[cool hand]

Has To Become A Star Right Now.

[cool hand]

Here are some stats for comparison:

Nazr Mohammed '05-06
17.4 mpg
5.2 rpg
6.2 ppg

Elson '06-07
19 mpg
4.8rpg
5 ppg

Nesterovic '05-06
18.9 mpg
3.9 rpg
4.5 ppg

Bonner '07-08
12.5 mpg
2.8 rpg
4.8 ppg

At this point, I see KT and Oberto getting playing time based heavily on match ups, and it seems to me that the best case scenario would be for Mahinmi to make this a somewhat balanced trio come the '09 playoffs.
I agree with you that 4 & 4 might be more realistic. We'll see about Bonner and maybe Tolliver... but, overall, I do see the potential for a slight improvement compared with the start of the '07-08 season, if for no other reason then we'll most likely have healthier bigs with a slightly younger average age. Nothing major... but the chance for a small step forward. Still wish they'd signed Gist, though.

BPG is what I want to know.

[mountainballer]

BPG is what I want to know.

WAITER!! WHERE IS MY BPG!!

[Tully365]

I still believe we need to close the gap between Tim and whoever is #2 via trade. we will desperately need a guy, who plays about 25 MPG and delivers something like 8+8. (a smart role player big like Nick Collison would be perfect, but not easy to get of course). if this #2 big is more of a rebounding machine, so be it. then we would need a 5+9 (plus good defense) from a player type like Foster or Przbilla. so or so, it's not something we can expect from Ian this season (if ever).

It's funny that you mention Collison, because I've had my eye on him for a few months now too-- He's almost a 10/10 player and really doesn't get much notice. He has three years left on his contract, so I could actually see a situation where OK would trade him for younger players with shorter contracts.... like Mahinmi + others. Foster would be great too. But if a trade doesn't happen, I still think that the Spurs could be similar to the 90s Bulls with an unglamorous but effective trio of bigs taking turns alongside Timmy.
Just think if Splitter had come....

[Tully365]

BPG is what I want to know.

It's interesting that Mahinmi has improved greatly on one of his main weaknesses-- staying out of foul trouble. But in this past summer league, his block numbers were way down. If I remember correctly, George Hill had more blocks than Ian in Vegas and Utah. At the end of last season's D league, Ian was a blocking machine, so hopefully he can find a balance this year between staying out of foul trouble while still being a defensive force in the paint as the season progresses.

[tonylongoriafan]

upon review...this guy needs to be here...at least to get some garbage minutes...anyone know his contact status?

[DPG21920]

He is under contract for this year, it is guaranteed and the Spurs have options for the next two years

[Allanon]

Ian could also be useful in guarding Odom if the Lakers do a 3 big man lineup (Bynum, Pau, Odom)

I'm not sure how he'd do but at least you won't see 6'5 Udoka trying to guard and outrebound Odom.

[Tully365]

Ian could also be useful in guarding Odom if the Lakers do a 3 big man lineup (Bynum, Pau, Odom)

I'm not sure how he'd do but at least you won't see 6'5 Udoka trying to guard and outrebound Odom.

True. Generally, I think the Spurs did a good job this off season, but my major concern is that they are now a smallish team, which is very different from the trademark size advantages that they've had in the past. Even Rasho was a legit 7' center. KT and Oberto are both slightly undersized, which could definitely present problems with the large front lines of the Lakers, the Trailblazers, the Celtics, etc. Splitter would've helped a lot... I don't know what Mahinmi's actual height and weight are now. I've seen him listed anywhere from 6'9" to 6'11', but as we saw with Beasley this summer those measurements are hard to trust. I imagine he has at least grown a little and put on some pounds since being drafted a couple of years ago. Hopefully he actually becomes a legit 6'11", 245 lbs in the near future, but he definitely seemed on the slim side to me in the summer leagues.

[Allanon]

True. Generally, I think the Spurs did a good job this off season, but my major concern is that they are now a smallish team, which is very different from the trademark size advantages that they've had in the past. Even Rasho was a legit 7' center. KT and Oberto are both slightly undersized, which could definitely present problems with the large front lines of the Lakers, the Trailblazers, the Celtics, etc. Splitter would've helped a lot... I don't know what Mahinmi's actual height and weight are now. I've seen him listed anywhere from 6'9" to 6'11', but as we saw with Beasley this summer those measurements are hard to trust. I imagine he has at least grown a little and put on some pounds since being drafted a couple of years ago. Hopefully he actually becomes a legit 6'11", 245 lbs in the near future, but he definitely seemed on the slim side to me in the summer leagues.

True about Splitter...that dude would have helped you guys ALOT.

KT I think is 6'9, Oberto I'm not sure...he looks bigger than he is.

Ian is a legit 6'11 but he looks even skinnier than before so I'm guessing 220-230 pounds.

And yes, I think size will give the Spurs issues this year. Normally an older team needs a bit of size to make up for the lack of speed. Ian would at least even things up a bit as there are some huge teams now (Blazers, Rockets, Lakers, Celtics got a little smaller but still big, Grizzlies, Clippers to name a few)

[mrspurs]

So far Ian's been a wasted project. He plays the same way since I first seen him when he was 17. His feet are glued to the floor, and I dont think anyone can unglue them. If he had a point like CP3 or Jason then maybe he would be better. But playing next to Timmy or Kurt and oh god Fab will make no difference in the end.

[yavozerb]

So far Ian's been a wasted project. He plays the same way since I first seen him when he was 17. His feet are glued to the floor, and I dont think anyone can unglue them. If he had a point like CP3 or Jason then maybe he would be better. But playing next to Timmy or Kurt and oh god Fab will make no difference in the end.

Ian is 21 y/o and is already a wasted project. I am pretty sure Ian got more playing last year than ever previously in his career. Yes, he still has alot of things to work on, but the guy seems to wanna really make the team. I am not against trading this guy if the right deal comes along. Ian still has plenty of things to work on to become an everyday NBA player, but at 21, he is anything but a failed project.

[HarlemHeat37]

I wouldn't trade him..the guy hasn't even got a chance to prove himself yet..some guys just respond better when they play vs. superior compe ion..it might not be likely, but it's possible that he plays down to the compe ion in the D-league..IIRC, he's tired of playing there and wants to play for the Spurs..

[mountainballer]

It's funny that you mention Collison, because I've had my eye on him for a few months now too-- He's almost a 10/10 player and really doesn't get much notice. He has three years left on his contract, so I could actually see a situation where OK would trade him for younger players with shorter contracts.... like Mahinmi + others.

I have been thinking about what scenario would make Presti want to trade Collison. (unfortunately there are more reasons to keep him)
free agency in 2009 or 2010 might be the best reason, OKC will be a player, they have enough cap space and if they dump Collison, they will have 6M more. on the other hand, neither is Collison to old to not see him as a part of the rebuilt team (27), nor is his contract that bad for what he delivers. Collison is one of the good guys and a leader, the young Thunders will need some players like him.
then I thought that the draft 2009 might be the crucial moment. I'm pretty sure Presti is dreaming about getting Blake Griffin from this draft. he looks to much like the perfect complement to Durant in the front court to not want him. if this happens and also DJ White does well, Collison looks expendable and 6M look to much for a then 15 MPG player. but of course, this scenario doesn't help us right now.

[Bruno]

Mahinmi fits perfectly with what Spurs need as "the big to play alongside Duncan". He also has done a great job at working on his game and on his body (he was listed at 245lbs for the SL).

Saying that, he will be only a rookie. He will surely do some mistakes and struggle at times but he is quite talented, has worked a lot and has a wide open niche with Spurs as quick/mobile big. Time will tell what he will do but he there are some reasons to be optimistic about his future with Spurs.