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I wonder if pop wants ian to play the lakers just to see what he could do
another big
give him one game before them
I don't think anybody's ever dropped 50 on the Spurs. Closest(in recent years) was Iverson with 46 in '99 and Kobe with 45 in 2001.
I wonder if pop wants ian to play the lakers just to see what he could do
another big
give him one game before them
this going to incite mass hysteria from the anti-Pop crowdSo far in Mahinmi's NBA career, he has played 44 minutes and has 36 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. He's made 12-of-18 shots from the field and 12-of-13 free throws.
I didn't realize Ian had been activated until he actually entered the game, so my initial thoughts were: 1. Malik's going back to the Toros and they're throwing Ian a bone; 2. Now's as good a time to showcase him as any; 3. He's really been impressive lately in practice and they'd do themselves a disservice to not see if it could translate under the bright lights; and 4. With the Lakers on deck and with the extended minutes Tim was forced to play against Dallas, they wanted to do a little of all the above: use him as a minute-eater, showcase him, and reward him for good play and/or all the hard work he's put in without ever getting the chance to taste the proverbial carrot.
After listening to Coach Brown's interview with Schoening though, I think we can eliminate the: 'He's forced his way on the court because of his play in practice' theory. Brown was asked directly about it and there was nothing that came off as deceptive or disingenuous. He stated they've had little to no compe ive practice for Ian to show anything that would warrant a must-play situation, and what they had been able to see was nothing they didn't already know.
Brown genuinely sounded happy for Ian, expressed what a hard worker he's been, and was very impressed with the outing given the almost two years away from the game; at it's highest level, at least. When pressed if Ian's performance might dictate another look and even an appearance against the upcoming Lakers (while he admitted to not knowing exactly what Pop would do) he gave a strong impression that it very well could; talk of the Lakers size upfront had Brown thinking that Ianny (everyone's an -E, I swear) would be someone that might deserve a look on Odom with his athleticism.
So whether this is nothing more than a showcase game, (likely) a realization that they need help on the front line and they need to exhaust possibilities, (possibly) or just a case of throwing a bone to a guy who's been through a lot and put in just as much work..(maybe) I'm happy for the guy.
How someone with his size and talent that possesses a needed skill set can't sniff the court, once healthy, is just mind-boggling; there has to be something we don't know..
Where's Ludden when you need him?
Spurs dumped Scola for $. Wouldn't be surprised to see that happen again.
So far in Mahinmi's NBA career, he has played 44 minutes and has 36 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. He's made 12-of-18 shots from the field and 12-of-13 free throws.
Did anyone hear any post game reactions other than Coach Bud, who had good things to say about Ian?
Seems obvious.
I really hope this is the case. Because that would suggest that Popovich at least acknowledges that the frontline is not working out as it currently is and that he knows that Boner is not the answer we're looking for.
It doesn't say much for my maturity level, but every time I see someone do that (purposely or inadvertently) I
He hits near 100% of his FT's, clearly he is not for this damn teamSo far in Mahinmi's NBA career, he has played 44 minutes and has 36 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks. He's made 12-of-18 shots from the field and 12-of-13 free throws.
I would say his next shot at solid minutes will be VS OKC.
We shall see if
1, he plays, if he does then
2, what he does with it.
I find it extremely hard to believe that he will crack the rotation.
Very good game from Ian! Pop was obviously showcasing him and he only has a slight chance to stay but I wish him all the best.
re: trading him to NJ for a trade exception . . .
One thing I noticed at the end of the game was Ian going over to the Nets bench to give some love to Roy Rogers, who is an AC for the Nets. For anyone who didn't know, Roy Rogers was the assistant to Quinn Snyder in Austin during Ian's all-star d-league season and spent a lot of time working with Ian.
Roy Rogers sitting two chairs from Kiki and being able to speak for Ian's potential could be a dealmaker. What better situation in the NBA for Ian would there be than a team that could not only use help up front next to Lopez but has an assistant coach on the team who already has a rapport with him, a built in support system.
i always thought Mahinmi could be for us what Perkins is for the Celtics if giving the trust from Pop, different type of player but the same contribution. but i guess it's too late!
Thank you!
I knew I recognized him and was thinking it had something to do with the D-League, but I couldn't place the face.
I was thinking it could only give credence to a Nets showcasing, which doesn't sound too off base now, so I'm glad someone else noticed.
That's just crazy enough to work.
One thing I think Pop has always overlooked in rotations/acquisitions is players that make exciting plays. It's great to have a system, but once in awhile it's important to have an exciting dunk or block. It gets fans and teammates going and creates momentum.
"Fab" getting a 1 inch layup and Ian flying through the lane create two polar reactions.
If Ian doesn't see more playing time, the Mad Scientist is playing mind games with himself.
I think you're kidding yourself if tonight made it any more likely Ian will be in a Spurs uniform past the trade deadline. In fact, I'm almost positive it just had the opposite effect.
Ian is someone I wanted to work out a long time ago but that ship has sailed.
Ginobili did great. As for Mahinmi, wow, im impressed, who would have thought that. Dont know why Pop put him in though, is it for a trade coming up or not? Anyway, he did great.
dejuan blair does not hit the rookie wall. the rookie wall hits dejuan blair. i could not resist.
also, what's tantalizing is that after this exciting debut back into the nba, mahinmi is most likely on his way out either via a salary dump or packaged in some sort of trade.
interesting.
on the other hands, the Nets just traded Najera for Shawne Williams and Kris Humphries.
Humphries has a season left on his contract (at 3.2 million) and this move also doesn't increase the cap space 2010. (200K minus)
they wanted to get rid of Najera in the 1st plce, but this only makes sense, if they as well plan to play Humphries. so it's a legit question, if they want to trade for another young big.
Nets also want to get rid of Boone. maybe something like Ian for Boone?
(doesn't work straight, needs to be something like Ian+Haislip)
interesting would be Boone for Ian+Finley, (with a Finley buy out). the trade is Finley, Ian would be absorbed by the TE the Nets hold. even if Spurs include money to cover Fin's remaining salary for this season, they still save more money from the tax bill.
I think it's a showcasing stuff but why not trying to play him instead of showcasing. Maybe a 15 9 in 21 minutes young guy deserves a chance to show what he can do.
Pop come on unleash him !
9 PF. But he deserved only 3 on 5 yesterday IMO
Wow...looks like I missed the coming out party. I saw he was in the game but after spending the day fixing two busted pipes at my house I just could not stay awake through the whole thing.
With the Thunder's athleticism and the Lakers size I think he should get minutes against both of them. This works well on many levels...rest for Duncan, lack of small ball and hopefully a carrot for a team wanting to make a deal. The timing of this reeks of showcasing too(a month and some change away from the deadline).
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