National Basketball Association

Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: Ian Mahinmi Is Out - Now What?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Washington Wizards Mailbag Monday: With Ian Mahinmi out, the Washington Wizards have a number of options to fill a defensive void.

Due to the salary cap boom this past summer, players that make over $60 million could get hurt, become sidelined for a fairly significant amount of time and their respective teams might not even miss a beat.

Ian Mahinmi – a relatively unknown big man who’s been a backup center for the majority of his NBA career – was the Washington Wizards‘ top get in the off-season. He was supposed to help the Wizards regain their defensive identity, but now he’s out four to six weeks following knee surgery.

Normally, people would panic if a player who makes that much money gets hurt, but that’s become the standard pay rate for guys who aren’t completely awful at the job they’re paid to do.

Mahinmi was supposed to be a key player for the Wizards, but he’s not John Wall – nor Markieff Morris, Bradley Beal, Otto Porter and Marcin Gortat, for that matter His presence is important, sure, but his injury shouldn’t be an excuse for wins and losses.

That brings us to Mailbag Monday, where the questions for this week were primarily focused on the big man’s absence.

@WizOfAwes with Mahinmi out do we try and find a replacement short term or stick it out with Jason?

— WSH 0-0 NYG 3-3 (@NetflixNChi11) October 17, 2016

Josh Smith is still a free agent and has proven to be an elite defender, even at this stage of his career. He’s not the greatest offensively and has become a poster child for why the deep-two is a bad shot, but he can contribute defensively. I think he’s worth a look.

Realistically, the Washington Wizards will probably roll with what they currently have.

Jason Smith is a competent defender and will eventually find his rhythm for mid-range. Washington signed him for this exact reason. His game isn’t flashy and he’s not very consistent, but he won’t negatively impact the team while he’s on the floor.

Along with “sticking it out” with Smith, as you put it, Washington could also lean on one of the younger bigs, in particular Johnny O’Bryant, who’s fighting for a roster spot.

The NBA doesn’t operate the way we do. There’s rarely panic involved. It’s a next man up type of situation and the Wizards should be just fine (unless they aren’t, of course).

@WizOfAwes which new player brings the biggest impact on d?

— K2 (@Kasai_Kemuri) October 17, 2016

The nice thing about the new crop of players is all of them are capable defenders. The bad thing is none of them are elite. It’s not like the Washington Wizards found a prime Ron Artest in free agency this past summer.

When he comes back, Mahinmi should make the biggest impact, just because he’s so much more physical than Gortat, who tends to shy away from contact in the paint.

He knows how to utilize his size and isn’t afraid to contest shots, often risking the chance of getting dunked on. He’s a solid pick-and-roll defender, too, which is an underrated aspect of his game.

Out of the guards, I think Sheldon McClellan could help defensively. He’s willing to defend and not a lot of rookies are excited to play defense. If he makes the team, it will be because of his defense.

@WizOfAwes More likely; Small ball C Keef or more time for Jason "Generic 2K Player" Smith?

— Pasquale Prezioso (@PasqualeGMP) October 17, 2016

What’s more likely? Our stepdad Jason Smith getting run at center. What should happen? Small-ball Keef, for sure.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Morris gets some time at center, but Smith just seems the more likely of the two to play that position. He’s played it before, unlike Morris.

But, I would like to see Scott Brooks give Morris a chance to play at center. He’s played it during preseason with Andrew Nicholson at the four, so perhaps Brooks is actually thinking about it.

@BenMehicNBA @WizOfAwes do you know what time it is…will the Wiz low key go as far as Beal's game will take them?

— John Cannady (@John_Cannady) October 17, 2016

I don’t think it’s low-key anymore and that’s not a knock on Wall. With the exception of one player (LeBron James), it’s impossible for a single person to carry a team. That includes Wall. As good as Wall is, he still needs help.

Beal is the second most talented player on the roster, so of course his play will determine how far the Wizards can go this season. If he doesn’t break out, then the team will be worse. If he finally lives up to his All-Star potential, then Washington will compete for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.

Thanks to those who participated this week.