Ian Mahinmi is a former professional French basketball player who played primarily as a power forward although he is known to double up as a centre when the team needs it. Mahinmi began his playing career after making a strong impression during the 2004 Under-18 European Championships. At the time, Mahinmi was playing with STB Le Havre in the French League, the team where he began his professional career in 2003.
Up until 2006, Mahinmi played for STB Le Havre and thereafter, made a switch to EB-Pau Orthez. Mahinmi, who preferred playing football as a youngster, decided to switch to basketball and eventually made his way to the United States at the end of the 2007 season after helping the team win the French Cup.
Mahinmi appeared for the 2005 NBA Draft and was picked by the San Antonio Spurs however, it was considered to be a largely surprising move as the Spurs had not listed him in their 128 players’ list. He was taken on as a project player and after two years, his return the Spurs coincided with the retirement of veteran David Robinson.
| Position | Center |
| Born | 5 Nov 1986 |
| Nationality |
France
|
| Team History | |
Washington
|
2016 - 2020 |
Indiana
|
2012 - 2016 |
Dallas
|
2010 - 2012 |
San Antonio
|
2007 - 2010 |
Mahinmi played in the Summer League in 2006, between his stints in France. While playing for Pau-Orthez, the Spurs decided to send a strength coach to monitor his progress at the team, which was slated to have a better nutrition and strength program to begin with.
In the 2007 Summer League, Mahinmi again turned out for the Rocky Mountain Revue however, almost immediately from the start, ended up on the sidelines with a knee injury. He joined the NBA Developmental League with the Austin Toros, another affiliate of the Spurs and was also rewarded with a contract for the regular season. Leading the team to the finals of the Developmental League, Mahinmi averaged at 17.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.Mahinmi came back to the Spurs in October of 2007 and made his debut in the NBA against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Since then, Mahinmi has played just 6 games for the Spurs and despite being on their roster, has not played any further part in the team.
