Wizards center Ian Mahinmi may have the 2016-17 season behind him, but he already has a full plate this summer.
There’s Fashion Week in Paris, set for mid-June, where the stylish Mahinmi will continue to spread the word about his clothing line, French Deal. He’s hosting a basketball camp in his father’s home country of Benin, in West Africa, along with hosting his annual summer basketball camp in France.
During a short exit interview that appeared on the Off The Bench – Washington Wizards podcast, Mahinmi dropped the news that he has become a franchisee of Steak ‘n Shake.
“I’m opening a few Steak ‘n Shake restaurants back home in France,” said Mahinmi, who became a big fan during his four years in Indy playing for the Pacers (2012-16).
Pacers voted Ian Mahinmi “Teammate of the Year” in 2016.
“Exactly, that’s what happened. Actually I met with the big boss of Steak ‘n Shake and we started a relationship back then. Eventually, it evolved into me opening up my own franchise.
“They are really going to enjoy it.”
[Mahinmi receives 2016 Teammate of the Year Award]
Mahinmi’s four-year stint in Indy ended last summer after the Wizards signed the 7-footer to a four-year deal worth $64 million.
After missing 62 percent (31 games) of the regular season, priority number one for the Frenchman is to get healthy. “For me, at this point, my health is the most important thing in the world,” he said. “… I’m going to dedicate this summer just to get back to being healthy, being 100 percent.”
(Mahinmi joined me for a Vigilant Sports Pacers Podcast in February. Click here to listen to that conversation.)