Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Will Miss Ian Mahinmi Against Boston Celtics

By Ben Mehic

Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28) argues a call with referee Leon Wood (40) against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Ian Mahinmi (28) argues a call with referee Leon Wood (40) against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 118-111. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Washington Wizards got away with not having Ian Mahinmi against the Atlanta Hawks, but his services will be missed against the Boston Celtics.

When the Kevin Durant dream died in the nation’s capital, Washington Wizards president Ernie Grunfeld zeroed in on Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford, who was second on their list of coveted players available in summer ’17.

Horford, unlike Durant, actually considered coming to D.C., going as far as taking a meeting with the Wizards’ front office. At one point, Horford favored signing with the Wizards. But ultimately, the former All-Star decided to sign with the Boston Celtics, who appeared more equipped to make a push in the postseason than the Wizards.

Once Horford came off the board, the Wizards were left with C-level free agents. Needing to address their defense, Grunfeld signed Ian Mahinmi to a four year deal worth $64 million.

Mahinmi was a top-10 defender with the Indiana Pacers, but his role would’ve been reduced given the rise of Myles Turner. Although the Wizards had a starting center in place with Marcin Gortat, Mahinmi was expected to compete for the position.

But before the season even began, Mahinmi became sidelined with a knee injury.

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Scott Brooks was forced to play Jason Smith as the team’s backup center.

Smith, like the rest of the team’s second unit, struggled adjusting to Brooks’ system during the first half of the season, donning a -7.14 player efficiency rating.

Washington eventually gained their rhythm, winning 17 games at home, and Smith managed to climb out of his miserable funk. And right when Smith started to produce, Mahinmi was cleared to return.

His contract and the team’s need for consistent defense caused Brooks to swap Smith out of the lineup for Mahinmi. It took him a few weeks, but once he shook off the rust, Mahinmi began to prove his worth in Washington, often stealing minutes from Gortat to close out games.

On March 7 against the Phoenix Suns, Mahinmi had a breakout performance, scoring 15 points, grabbing 9 rebounds and stealing the ball 7 times off the bench. More than anything, his energy and quiet offense helped lift the Wizards past the Suns in the close victory.

Mahinmi’s impact was normally subtle, yet game changing. His style of play – the offensive put backs, rim protection and pick and roll defense – would’ve translated directly to the NBA Playoffs, where the game is played much differently and is more focused on defense and rebounding.

Right before the beginning of the playoffs, it was announced that Mahinmi would be sidelined again with a strained calf.

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Mahinmi was aiming to return in the first round, but failed to play a single minute, which comes after missing 51 games during the regular season.

Against the Hawks, the Wizards were able to get away with not having Mahinmi because Dwight Howard and his backups rely purely on inside scoring to produce offensively.

Howard was mostly nullified by Gortat and his teammates, like Markieff Morris, did a solid job of helping out on the glass.

Boston, though, will present a different problem – a problem that Mahinmi would’ve helped solve if active.

Horford, who averaged 18 points against Washington during the regular season, will pose matchup problems for Gortat. Horford’s knocking down nearly 60 percent of his total shots and 54 percent of his threes in the playoffs.

The Celtics will look to stretch the Wizards’ big out, forcing them to play out on the perimeter. Gortat defended Howard well with his body and used his size, but that won’t matter against the Celtics and Horford, who’s got a quick first step and has been lights out from outside the paint.

Washington will have the void going into Game 1 against the Celtics and it remains to be seen if Mahinmi will even play in the postseason. Normally a terrific, versatile defender, the Wizards won’t have their best big man stopper and ultimately the one person who can stop Horford.

Next: Wizards Individual Player Awards For 2017 Season

For Mahinmi, it’s been the story of his season. And for the Washington Wizards, his absence could make all of the difference.

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