Ian Mahinmi finally returned to the court for the Wizards on Wednesday, logging 12 minutes off the bench in only his second game for the team this season. Injury problems had previously limited Mahinmi to just a single game in November for Washington after he signed a four-year, $64MM deal with the club in the offseason.
Although Mahinmi’s contributions for his new team have been extremely limited so far, his ability to rebound and play defense could prove useful down the stretch. A report earlier this week indicated that the Wizards had also made Mahinmi available in trade talks, and while his injury issues and massive contract make him somewhat unappealing as a trade target, that could change over the next couple weeks if he stays healthy and plays well. Mahinmi, who told reporters last week that he feels “fixed,” will be worth monitoring going forward.
Here’s more out of Washington:
- If the Wizards can find a way to upgrade their bench, it would significantly improve their chances to make some noise in the postseason, writes Tim Bontemps of The Washington Post. Bontemps acknowledges that Mahinmi’s return will help, but says the team probably still needs to make another move, perhaps one along the lines of last year’s acquisition of Markieff Morris.
- Heading into the season, John Wall was recovering from surgical procedures on both knees, and it wasn’t clear whether he’d be able to have his usual impact on the court in 2016/17. Fifty games later, with Wall in the midst of his best NBA season – including career highs in PPG (23.0), APG (10.5), and FG% (.454) – Brian Windhorst of ESPN.com revisits the point guard’s journey.
- In an engaging piece for ESPN.com, Tom Habestroh takes an in-depth look at how the Wizards are using virtual reality technology to try to help the players on their roster. “I could see a lot of NBA teams starting to use it,” Wall said. “I think it’s helping so many different ways — ballhandling, shooting, moving.”
If Mahinmi’s injury woes continue, any sense in a swap of him for Joakim Noah? The Wiz at one time expressed interest in Noah, and he’d help their bench mob more than an injured Ian could. For NYK…you’d save a couple million each season?
I understand the logic, but does anyone wanna take on Noah? At this point he really has little to no value.
Noah, a prospect or any draft and stash with a real chance of coming over, plus an unprotected 2nd rounder over the next 2 years could hold some appeal for Mahinmi I’d imagine. The contracts are close to equal in AAV (2 or 3 mil per year) but Noah has a higher upside and a lower floor. The 2nd rounder and prospect are compensation for Noah sucking right now.
No one is going to want Noah. Wiz will absolutely not swap for unless you throw in Brandon Jennings and a pick and get Trey Burke as well. Wiz need to improve their bench. Not make it worse. They were prepared to spend all this money the last summer. Not gonna wanna save money for someone who won’t contribute. Again if you include BJ and a pick then MAYBE it becomes a conversation.