It's official: Mahinmi is garbage

[nkdlunch]

Again, four years ago he was helping his team win the French Cup.

you're kidding right?

the french cup???

[nkdlunch]

short sighted? The spurs are focusing on playoffs and blair is a much better investment at this point especially since ian wasn't resigned. This scrub has been playing under the spurs since 2005 and still looks lost out there. Ian wasn't even in the 128 player league draft guide.

He was a project from the start that unfortunately hasn't shown much; his progress got sidetracked by that injury.

+1

[nkdlunch]

You know maybe Mahimni has subscribed to the ten year plan to gradually improve enough to get on a NBA court. Year 5 looks eerily similar to years 1,2,3, and 4, albeit without the injuries, maybe by year 10, we can finally see the real Mahimni come shining thru and become a NBA player. One can only hope.

[TJastal]

Great analysis btw, very telling that Ian is brimming with potential.

Yep ole Mahimni is about to complete his 5th season since being drafted, 5th!!!, and yes he is brimming with potential, just not showcasing his potential. How long does a prospect need for the light to come on? Why is it that only certain ST forum members scream for Pop to play Mahimni more? Every day I read several NBA websites on-line, watch ESPN,NBA TV, TNT on THursday, and not once have I ever read that or heard on TV, that the Spurs need to insert Mahimni into the lineup. Never heard or read that Pop is making a mistake by not playing Mahimni. These NBA people on-line and on TV, are by most account, respected NBA analists, but I have never heard anyone say one thing about Mahimni. So the bottom line is whose opinion should you value more? The national media, which includes NBA reporters, NBA scouts, NBA analists, who are former NBA coaches and NBA players, or a certain group of Spurs fans just getting their 2 cents in?[/QUOTE]

[MrFundamental]

You can't teach size and raw ability. Ian has an abundance of both and he's extremely coachable.

Blair has raw ability; someone that hasn't averaged over 6 rpg at a professional level shouldn't be considered to have "raw ability".

[Old School 44]

here we go with the insults again. grow up kid.

Again, noone has answered the question, why doesn't Mahinmi impress in practice. Why isn't Buford screaming at Pop to play him? why haven't we heard any dissent in Spurs organization regarding Mahinmi??? (oh yeah, "pop is a dictator and everyone is afraid of him" )

its funny to think amateur posters on an internet forum that have seen Ian play for about 10 minutes think they have a better opinion on him than coaches and staff that see him play 24/7.

Pop is always right.

Why does Keith Bogans get as much playing time as he does?

Again, noone has answered the question, does Bogans really impress in practice? Why isn't Buford screaming at Pop to not play him? why haven't we heard any dissent in Spurs organization regarding playing Bogans??? (oh yeah, "pop is a dictator and everyone is afraid of him" )

its funny to think amateur posters on an internet forum that have seen Bogans play for about 1200+ minutes think they have a better opinion on him than coaches and staff that see him play 24/7.

[nkdlunch]

I love how the Ian defenders use Bogans as proof that Ian is not garbage

and no, Pop is not always right. not even close.

[Old School 44]

I love how the Ian defenders use Bogans as proof that Ian is not garbage

and no, Pop is not always right. not even close.

All I'm saying is if Pop can be wrong with Bogans, he can be wrong with Mahinmi.

In Mahinmi's case, you've closed the door on him and taken the stance that the front office is right in their evaluation.

[jjktkk]

Why does Keith Bogans get as much playing time as he does?

Because Pop wants a SG/SF starting for him who can defend and doesn't need plays called for him. And Bogans was the best option on this current Spurs squad. Now it looks like Hairston is a more viable option. Maybe Pop was too slow to come around to playing Hairston, but after watching Hairston play last night againt NY, Hairston, at the very least should split mintues with Bogans and get more playing time.

[nkdlunch]

All I'm saying is if Pop can be wrong with Bogans, he can be wrong with Mahinmi.

In Mahinmi's case, you've closed the door on him and taken the stance that the front office is right in their evaluation.

Regarding the front office handling of Ian I have no problem. I think it was bad luck on both sides and front office did all possible to give him opportunities. Is it part their fault, maybe so. But it is not 100% front office fault Ian has not flourished.

Have I given up hope on Ian? yes. The last ty game he had was the last evidence I needed.

this situation reminds me of Kwame Brown's situation, or Darko's in Detroit. There comes a time to just give up hope than to cling to a fantasy that will never happen. time to wake up.

[SenorSpur]

Because Pop wants a SG/SF starting for him who can defend and doesn't need plays called for him. And Bogans was the best option on this current Spurs squad. Now it looks like Hairston is a more viable option. Maybe Pop was too slow to come around to playing Hairston, but after watching Hairston play last night againt NY, Hairston, at the very least should split mintues with Bogans and get more playing time.

As most veteran coaches, Pop has demonstrated very little patience with young players - especially rooks. He has been slow to come around on most all of them. Remember last year's unexplained benching of Hill, in favor of Jacque Vaughn. Also, he sent Blair to the bench earlier in the season, when he decided he'd dust off Ratliff for a few games. Even after deciding to go with Parker as the starter in his rookie year, he benched him for large stretches of most 4th quarters - in favor of Speedy Claxton. This is not to say the decision was wrong, it just illustrates his lack of patience.

To the Hairston debate, the kid should've been playing/splitting minutes by now. That much is obvious. Based upon what we saw with Ian in the extended stint versus the Nets, he should've been playing more all along. Had Pop utilized the kid back when Bonner was out, chances are we wouldn't be having to defend him now.

As much as Ian's injury history has stunted his growth, Pop has been the culprit this season.

[objective]

Because Pop wants a SG/SF starting for him who can defend and doesn't need plays called for him. And Bogans was the best option on this current Spurs squad. Now it looks like Hairston is a more viable option. Maybe Pop was too slow to come around to playing Hairston, but after watching Hairston play last night againt NY, Hairston, at the very least should split mintues with Bogans and get more playing time.

Now it looks like Hairston is a more viable option?

Now?

After how he wrecked Bogans in pre-season and performed well every other time (like against Houston) and already knew the system?

Only now?

[objective]

As most veteran coaches, Pop has demonstrated very little patience with young players - especially rooks. He has been slow to come around on most all of them. Remember last year's unexplained benching of Hill, in favor of Jacque Vaughn. Also, he sent Blair to the bench earlier in the season, when he decided he'd dust off Ratliff for a few games. Even after deciding to go with Parker as the starter in his rookie year, he benched him for large stretches of most 4th quarters - in favor of Speedy Claxton. This is not to say the decision was wrong, it just illustrates his lack of patience.

To the Hairston debate, the kid should've been playing/splitting minutes by now. That much is obvious. Based upon what we saw with Ian in the extended stint versus the Nets, he should've been playing more all along. Had Pop utilized the kid back when Bonner was out, chances are we wouldn't be having to defend him now.

As much as Ian's injury history has stunted his growth, Pop has been the culprit this season.

Don't forget Stephen Jackson locked up in a sportcoat straitjacket while Terry Porter was falling on his ass like an old, old man.

And Jackson only got time in 02/03 after both Steve Smith and Manu were banged up. Pop didn't want to play him, injuries forced him to.

[in2deep]

As most veteran coaches, Pop has demonstrated very little patience with young players - especially rooks. He has been slow to come around on most all of them. Remember last year's unexplained benching of Hill, in favor of Jacque Vaughn. Also, he sent Blair to the bench earlier in the season, when he decided he'd dust off Ratliff for a few games. Even after deciding to go with Parker as the starter in his rookie year, he benched him for large stretches of most 4th quarters - in favor of Speedy Claxton. This is not to say the decision was wrong, it just illustrates his lack of patience.

To the Hairston debate, the kid should've been playing/splitting minutes by now. That much is obvious. Based upon what we saw with Ian in the extended stint versus the Nets, he should've been playing more all along. Had Pop utilized the kid back when Bonner was out, chances are we wouldn't be having to defend him now.

As much as Ian's injury history has stunted his growth, Pop has been the culprit this season.

Dejuan Blair

[MrFundamental]

Dejuan Blair

How dare you bring up the rook when there is some perfectly good Pops bashing going around!

[jjktkk]

Now it looks like Hairston is a more viable option?

Now?

After how he wrecked Bogans in pre-season and performed well every other time (like against Houston) and already knew the system?

Only now?

objective, your latest objective should be tackling reading comprehesion. Did I not say Pop was too slow in coming around to Hairston?

[Obstructed_View]

Ian plays well in France and his team wins.

Popsucker: France? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the D League and his team wins.

Popsucker: The D League? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the minutes he's given.

Popsucker: Garbage time? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the one game he's actually given playing time in and his team wins.

Popsucker: The New Jersey Nets? Are you serious lol?

[Old School 44]

Regarding the front office handling of Ian I have no problem. I think it was bad luck on both sides and front office did all possible to give him opportunities. Is it part their fault, maybe so. But it is not 100% front office fault Ian has not flourished.

Have I given up hope on Ian? yes. The last ty game he had was the last evidence I needed.

this situation reminds me of Kwame Brown's situation, or Darko's in Detroit. There comes a time to just give up hope than to cling to a fantasy that will never happen. time to wake up.

Sure, it would be great if Ian "flourished", but all I am looking for is a serviceable, athletic big, who can give Duncan some defensive help and deter teams from strolling down the lane. That's it. If he gets some garbage buckets from offensive rebounds, that's icing.

Yeah, his last game wasn't his best, but earlier in the year, pop missed some great opportunities to play him. But just like I don't think we should annoint him with his performance in the NJ game, I don't think we should throw him away for his prior game.

I just think he needs more court time to let him play through his mistakes vs. just yanking him as soon as he makes any.

The comparison with Darko and Kwame, isn't the same at all. The expectation with them was a lot higher (as well as their salaries), they were 1 and 2 overall in their respective drafts, but even then, they got reasonable court time to display their games.

[in2deep]

Ian plays well in France and his team wins.
Yet he still makes same dumb fouls and mistakes as before.

Popsucker: France? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the D League and his team wins.
Yet he still makes same dumb fouls and mistakes as before.

Popsucker: The D League? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the minutes he's given.
Yet he still makes same dumb fouls and mistakes as before.

Popsucker: Garbage time? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the one game he's actually given playing time in and his team wins.
Yet he still makes same dumb fouls and mistakes as before.

Popsucker: The New Jersey Nets? Are you serious lol?

fixed

[objective]

objective, your latest objective should be tackling reading comprehesion. Did I not say Pop was too slow in coming around to Hairston?

you picked up on Pop being slow in coming around?

That train left the station months ago.

[objective]

Sure, it would be great if Ian "flourished", but all I am looking for is a serviceable, athletic big, who can give Duncan some defensive help and deter teams from strolling down the lane. That's it. If he gets some garbage buckets from offensive rebounds, that's icing.

Yeah, his last game wasn't his best, but earlier in the year, pop missed some great opportunities to play him.

his last game wasn't even that bad. Wow, two legit turnovers on him when everyone else was turning the ball over too.

He also played defense well, and attacked the rim.

He had a better 1st half against the Cavs than McDyess did.

[jjktkk]

Don't forget Stephen Jackson locked up in a sportcoat straitjacket while Terry Porter was falling on his ass like an old, old man.

And Jackson only got time in 02/03 after both Steve Smith and Manu were banged up. Pop didn't want to play him, injuries forced him to.

I swear, you wanna be coaches can be so silly sometimes. Every coach in sports has their own philsophy on determining when a young player is ready to play. Do you just throw a young player on the court and let him learn on the fly, or do you slowly groom that said player and bring him along slowly, even if you think a coach like Pop seemingly waits too long to play a young guy? Both methods work. It depends on the player whether he is ready to play, or not. Some of you Pop haters are looking for that perverbial needle in the haystock to crack on Pop, but four championships sure gives me the perception that Pop seems to know what hes doing. Your slamming Pop for not playing guys like Stephen Jackson, Tony Parker, Malik Hairston soon enough, but Jackson and Parker seemed to have gotten over Pop's adversity to playing young guys and turned out just fine.

[jjktkk]

Ian plays well in France and his team wins.

Popsucker: France? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the D League and his team wins.

Popsucker: The D League? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the minutes he's given.

Popsucker: Garbage time? Are you serious lol?

Ian plays well in the one game he's actually given playing time in and his team wins.

Popsucker: The New Jersey Nets? Are you serious lol?

The Mahimnisucker,errr, I mean author of this post, has reportedly been ordered to undergo a ST sanctioned, mandatory drug test.

[underdawg]

I swear, you wanna be coaches can be so silly sometimes. Every coach in sports has their own philsophy on determining when a young player is ready to play. Do you just throw a young player on the court and let him learn on the fly, or do you slowly groom that said player and bring him along slowly, even if you think a coach like Pop seemingly waits too long to play a young guy? Both methods work. It depends on the player whether he is ready to play, or not. Some of you Pop haters are looking for that perverbial needle in the haystock to crack on Pop, but four championships sure gives me the perception that Pop seems to know what hes doing. Your slamming Pop for not playing guys like Stephen Jackson, Tony Parker, Malik Hairston soon enough, but Jackson and Parker seemed to have gotten over Pop's adversity to playing young guys and turned out just fine.

problem is Pop's philosophy of relying on veterans worked well while the big 3 were younger and able to stay healthy. He doesn't have that luxury anymore yet seems to be unwilling (unless in a state of desperation like last night) to adapt his philosophy and system to his current squad. His veteran role players seem unable to fill the hole (injuries, lack of consistency, etc.) and season is no longer young - time to adapt or quit.

[jjktkk]

problem is Pop's philosophy of relying on veterans worked well while the big 3 were younger and able to stay healthy. He doesn't have that luxury anymore yet seems to be unwilling (unless in a state of desperation like last night) to adapt his philosophy and system to his current squad. His veteran role players seem unable to fill the hole (injuries, lack of consistency, etc.) and season is no longer young - time to adapt or quit.

Totally agree and Pop is slowly coming around to giving playing time to younger guys like Hill, Blair, and it looks like Hairston now. IMO pop is the kind of coach that doesn't want to just throw a young guy out their for the sake of letting them get their feet wet. Instead, Pop micromanages their minutes, and brings them along slowly maybe too slowly to alot of fans, but Pop, like alot of coaches absolutely hates younger, inexpierenced players, because of their penchant for making rookie type mistakes. I have no problem with people criticizing Pop for his philosphy on playing young guys, but Pop does eventually play these type of players when he feels their ready.