Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi is expected to miss four to six weeks after undergoing knee surgery. The Wizards announced on Saturday that Mahinmi had undergone surgery on Friday, for a partially torn medial meniscus in his left knee. Mahinmi suffered the injury in Thursday’s preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Ian Mahinmi Out 4-6 Weeks
Mahinmi, 29, averaged 9.3 points and 7.1 rebounds last season with the Indiana Pacers. This off-season Mahinmi signed a four-year, $64 million deal with the Wizards.
Mahinmi’s signing made little sense to Wizards fans, as the team already has Marcin Gortat at center. The move was judged by many to be a desperation signing by the Wizards. Mahinmi is heading into his ninth season and is coming off a season which saw the big man average career highs in points and rebounds. Mahinmi’s injury leaves the Wizards short of capable centers. The Wizards don’t have an ideal backup in Mahinmi’s absence. Off-season signing Jason Smith will likely fill in for Mahinmi. This could lead to the Wizards struggling defensively, when the bench unit is in the game.
Mahinmi was drafted 28th overall in 2005 by the San Antonio Spurs.
The Wizards are coming off a 41-41 season and suffered a disappointing off-season. General manager Ernie Grunfeld set his sights high heading into free agency. Although Wizards fans would be left disappointed by the results. Superstar Kevin Durant was pinned as the main target. But the front office failed to deliver Durant, as the seven-time All-Star headed west to sign with the Golden State Warriors.
So with the main target off the board, the Wizards still had needs to fill. The team signed forwards Andrew Nicholson and Jason Smith. Both solid pickups, but the Wizards needed more. Mahinmi was the marquee signing. So with the Wizards adding just role players, fans must wonder what tricks new head coach Scott Brooks has up his sleeve, especially if this Washington team is to achieve it’s goal of making it to the playoffs.
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