Splitter is the sure thing. Mahinmi is less so, but with a much greater upside.
Presented with both, Pop would naturally go with Splitter unless he sucked hard. Without Splitter next season, Pop will be forced to give Mahinmi PT. Just like Tony and just like Jack.
What's pulling a Beno?
Giving him every opportunity to secure the job 2 out of his 3 years with the team?
Pop's always going to be hard on rookies. But for some reason, there is a myth on this board that Pop didn't give Beno a chance, and that couldn't be further from the truth.
Mahinmi doesn't strike me as a Beno.
I agree with MB and timvp, Splitter would be better in the next 2 season, I think if he come to San Antonio he can even start.
But in the long run I thin Ian will be better. The guy is so young and has a lot of athleticism and learned a lot in Austin. I really hope we see him playing 20 minutes next season.
Okay, I phrased it wrong. I meant that I hope Pop's coaching doesn't have the same effect on Ian as it did on Beno.
But I said I doubted it...because Beno's pansiness-level was off the charts.
I hate Beno just as much as the next Spurs fan. (Well I guess except for those who like him...umm...yeah. Well, I don't really hate Beno. I just hated being constantly disappointed by him.)
I could never figure out what the was wrong with Beno. I think it was a combination of him being a vag and pop not really knowing how to handle him. His confidence after the Detroit series was completely destroyed. The thing that really sucks is that he's a guy that could have been the perfect backup for Tony.
Mahinmi has astounding PER numbers. Even better than Landry in the preseason. Had he played this year I think he would have been contending with the top 5 rookies. Too bad Pop relegated him to the D-League. For my money had I been the GM I would have sent Bonner down and brought Mahinmi up.
Which is why I think the Spurs must not re-sign Kurt Thomas.
If the Spurs re-signed him, he would be far too great a temptation to Pop as Mahinmi made his normal youthful mistakes on the court.
I doubt Pop could let an experienced vet who could contribute in the short-term sit on a bench while Mahinmi missed rotations or made a poor decision. That option has to be taken away from him. That's the only scenario I see where Mahinmi could get even close to 20 minutes a game.
Marcus Bryant brought up pop playing Tony as a rookie.. and how maybe that same type of trust could exist with Mahinmi. The only problem i have with that, is that Pop didn't have another option, Antonio Daniels couldn't handle the point any better than Damon Stoudamire can handle the point now...Pop had to trust tony and him being so tough on the rookie was what helped him develop.
Either way, Pop has other options if Mahinmi pisses him off (regardless of whether Splitter comes). When Tony pissed him off, he let him have it on the sidelines, if Mahinmi does something stupid...he might find a seat on the bench for the rest of the game.
Tony needed those quality minutes to develop and I'm just worried that Mahinmi wont see those type of minutes...
Ian must learn how to stay in the floor by not fouling.
Both Ian and Splitter would struggle at the very least for half a season, most likely more, for things entirely out of their control. Things like not knowing their rivals, learning our system fully, getting to know the officials, getting called for 'rookie' fouls...
I think Pop would give both some limited time to get their feet wet, but I don't think either of them are ready to contribute right now in a meaningful way.
Hope I'm wrong!
Im praying to the basketball gods Mahinmi can play good defense, rebound, and hustle. If he can do those things, Tpark will have his jersey before the 3rd game of the season.
You are correct, sir. Patience was exercised with him, and it didn't work out. Beno has NBA talent, but between the ears he lacks something.
I wonder where beno will land as an unrestricted FA? Buyer beware.
This guy looks like he can be a force,Hopefully he'll develop and be ready soon.
Looks like Dwight Howard in that picture.
FREE IAN MAHINMI.
>>But then again, I highly doubt Ian is as big of a pansy as Beno.
Just keep him away from Graham Central Station.
Who says I don't already have it?
With Splitter likely staying in Europe theres no reason why Ian sholdn't be accepted in the roster this coming season. Its true he looks a little fragile for that position but that shouldn't be a problem with the right training. It's time for bold movements and this one is a no-brainer.
I remember being excited about Ian Mahinmi three years ago.
Ian Mahinmi!
i think were all hoping he becomes the next "TP" or "manu". if this guy becomes an allstar the spurs FO will look like genius once again.
From what I've see of Mahinmi, he should be able contribute next year. He's aggressive, athletic, has decent hands, and a hard worker.
All the attention Tim attracts offensively should allow Ian to use his athleticism on the offensive glass for rebounds, put-backs, and backdoor cuts. With Tim next to him defensively, he should be able to be a fairly good weak-side shot-blocker.
Manu and Tony will love Ian, if for no other reason, they'll have someone who can finish strong at the rim with their pick and rolls/penetration and on the break. I can already see them doing their own poor-mans version of Nash to Stoudemire, or Paul to Chandler.
He'll have his up and downs like any other young player, but playing with the Big 3(and all the attention they attract) will make life alot easier on him and his progression. Hopefully he'll be able to carve out a role ala Amir Johnson in Detroit.
He's ready. Bring him in! I hope the Spurs can lure Splitter too.
Duncan, Splitter, Mahinmi, Oberto. Nice.
i hope mahinmi turns into a 20point 15 rebound 4 blocks a night player.
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