Ep. 47: Ian Mahinmi

After four seasons with the Pacers, center Ian Mahinmi moved on to the Washington Wizards last July. He signed a four-year, $64 million deal that pays him $16 million annually. As the Pacers rebuilt their roster and Mahinmi, among others, went elsewhere, it’s been really special to see those guys (and their significant other) remain close. Recently, George Hill’s fiancé, Sam, C.J. Miles’ wife, Lauren, and more met in D.C. to celebrate the birthday of Alexis — Ian’s wife. “Basketball is our job. We do what we love, but it’s also a business,” Mahinmi said. “When you spend time with teammates and people like that, I think you become a family and it becomes a brotherhood where it goes way beyond whatever you do on the court. Me and George [Hill] are like real brothers.” In past years, Mahinmi and Hill would train together in Texas and they remain close friends today. In fact, Mahinmi’s teenage brother, Jason, lives with the Hill’s in Utah. “It goes way beyond being teammates. It’s really family matters.” [Mahinmi receives 2016 Teammate of the Year Award] The challenge for him this season has been health. His appearance at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday (0 points, 3 rebounds) was just his third game of the season with the Wizards. First he suffered a partially torn left meniscus in the preseason, then returned in late November and had right knee tendinitis. In December he had platelet-rich plasma treatment on both knees before finally returning on Feb. 8. I think you’ll enjoy this podcast catching up with Mahinmi, who appreciated Pacers fans and his time in Indy. Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on iTunes. I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. Topics Discussed: * Emotions of facing his former team in Indianapolis. * Maintaining relationship despite player movement. * Seeing his close friend, George Hill, traded from his hometown team. * Feeling part of the team while missing significant time because of injury. * Getting settled in somewhere new.