Former Spur: Ian Mahinmi

[poeticism707]

I expect a lot from this guy next year.

[poeticism707]

when he played in summer league, it felt like he was elson 2.0, not very promising. but unlike elson, he's still young and has room to improve. all the spurs need from him is limited offense, rebounding and shotblocking, which shouldn't be too hard considering his size and athleticism.

Elson 2.0?!? Does that even exists?

[poeticism707]

october

hope hes at least a poor mans KG

[poeticism707]

why have the Spurs been wasting so long on this french filet mignion then?

[poeticism707]

The Greg Oden of San Antonio. At least Oden plays lol

[poeticism707]

I feel like a lot of people have lofty expectations of Ian and that he will not be able to meet them.

You may be right.

[poeticism707]

Injury prone. Next please.

[poeticism707]

This guy has been so over-hyped it's ridiculous. remember that a really good rookie player would be able to step right into at least a part-time rotation role if not as a starter. Think George Hill or a big man like Lamarcus Aldridge or Kevin Durant

Mahimi is more like Greg Oden (injured a lot because of physical build) but without the years of bb experience or developed skill set that Oden has.

Wow, a second confirmation?

[poeticism707]

Then again, those are likely the same fans who believe Pops Kunta-Kinte is a future All-Star. Further, what other young bigman prospect do the Spurs have available for the 2009-10 season?

The front office has made its share of mistakes, but then I read the solutions proffered by the masses and pour myself a drink.

[poeticism707]

Yeah, it didn't break my heart to see Pops go, but the excitement he generated is more a sign of how desperate the Spurs' needs at that position have gotten. I'm optimistic Ian can avoid catching a bad break next season and actually show what he's got.

Good point.

[poeticism707]

Mahinmi has Bynum potential?

[Interrohater]

I actually think the Spurs might be higher on Haislip than Ian right now. He's got a lot to prove out there. It's definitely a make or break year for him, if that. Maybe he doesn't get past preseason. We'll see, I'll be honest when I say I am one of those that had elevated hopes for him, I hope he doesn't disappoint. Athletic 6'11" is hard to come by.

[AFBlue]

I actually think the Spurs might be higher on Haislip than Ian right now. He's got a lot to prove out there. It's definitely a make or break year for him, if that. Maybe he doesn't get past preseason. We'll see, I'll be honest when I say I am one of those that had elevated hopes for him, I hope he doesn't disappoint. Athletic 6'11" is hard to come by.

I'm not sure they're in direct compe ion for a job, because their skill sets are so incredibly different. I think right now all Ian has to do is stay healthy and prove that his development has finally started to reap some on-court benefit.

If he proves after all this time (despite being just 22) that he's still not ready for regular NBA minutes, he'll likely be let go at the end of the season in favor of another post player (Splitter?).

[poeticism707]

I actually think the Spurs might be higher on Haislip than Ian right now. He's got a lot to prove out there. It's definitely a make or break year for him, if that. Maybe he doesn't get past preseason. We'll see, I'll be honest when I say I am one of those that had elevated hopes for him, I hope he doesn't disappoint. Athletic 6'11" is hard to come by.

Yep. Ian has a lot of proving to do. I hope he's up for the challenge.

[HarlemHeat37]

Ian is much more important than Haislip or Bonner IMO..this is our potential shot blocker in the lineup..

[Libri]

Preseason stats

vs Houston, 10/6
17:23 min, 1-6 FG, 1-2 FT, 4 Reb, 6 PF, 1 BS, 3 points

vs Olympiacos, 10/9
8:10 min, 3-4 FG, 1-2 FT, 2 Reb, 7 points

[legend of united]

good player

[Bruno]

An interview of Ian (nothing great):

[DPG21920]

I am really upset at this whole Ian situation. I have long been a fan of him and I truly wish things would have worked out better. Everything from his injuries and his relatively poor play in crucial moments (SL...) along with Pop being stubborn has led us to the point we are at.

I am not confident that he can be a rotational player, but he should have been given the chance to prove himself.

[Libri]

In six games his FG% is .727. Not bad at all.

[Marcus Bryant]

Hmmmm...assuming Splitter joins and Jefferson returns, Mahinmi back at the LLE and Bonner departing would be good moves. A capable 5th big would ease the regular season burden on the other four (TD/Splitter/Blair/McDyess). McDyess' minutes can be around 12 to 15 a night rather than 20+. Not to mention that Ian is built for today's NBA. You're not going to find a better athletic and young bigman talent for the LLE.

[EricB]

Bonner's agent says Bonner wants to go back and the Spurs want him back so, sorry....

[Bruno]

Bonner's agent says Bonner wants to go back and the Spurs want him back so, sorry....

Bonner's agent doesn't exactly say that.

But yeah, chances aren't good to see Ian back with Spurs. I hope he will succeed elsewhere.

[objective]

Ian will be a success elsewhere, much to the surprise of ignorant Spurs fans.

[objective]

It would be fairly amusing if the Spurs fail to sign Splitter while at the same time losing Mahinmi. It would be a day of celebration for Bonner-fans.