Ian Mahinmi had been a backup center since 2007, averaging no more that 5.8 points or rebounds a game at any point in his career. It was understandable that the Indiana Pacers fan base was concerned going into the season whether he was ready to be a starting center for 82 games.
However, he’s proven himself to be a serviceable starting center averaging 8.2 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. He wisely is only taking 8.6 shots a game, but he’s making them count with a shooting percentage of 59.6%.
One of the ways he scores his points is on the pick and roll, something he’s done well in particular with Monta Ellis this season.