Ian Mahinmi discusses shoulder injury, says ‘it’s not as bad as everybody thought’

Ian Mahinmi returned to Indianapolis Wednesday following a left shoulder injury that forced him to leave Team France just prior to the start of the FIBA World Cup.

On Thursday, Mahinmi met with the Pacers’ medical staff. They observed where the pain was, how much he could move it, and how much strength he had in the shoulder. Team physician Dr. Tim Hupfer looked over his MRI, which was taken one week ago in Spain after Mahinmi re-injured the shoulder.

While Mahinmi is upset he had to leave Team France, he’s encouraged that his shoulder injury won’t require surgery.

“No surgery, no injections,” Mahinmi told VigilantSports.com Thursday. “So it’s not as bad as everybody thought it would be.

“Obviously there’s a healing process and then treatment, and then I have to get strength back in my shoulder. Then, I’m good to go.”

While Mahinmi did not provide a timetable, he hopes it will only keep him away from basketball activities for a few weeks.

Mahinmi said he has already started treatment. Though he can’t do any on-court work, he can lift light weights, as he did Thursday.

After Mahinmi was hit wrong in practice — resulting in a sharp pain — it was determined that he could not continue with the team. France’s team doctor said Mahinmi could be out two to three months due to a dislocated shoulder. Fortunately for Mahinmi, and the Pacers, that’s not the case.

The Pacers’ reserve center first injured his left shoulder in the second-to-last regular season game of the 2013-14 season, against Oklahoma City. After that, he wore a black undershirt brace to aid him while playing.

Mahinmi was honored to be chosen to play for France in the FIBA World Cup. Not only is it competition amongst the best basketball players in the world, but it is special to do something for your country. Still one week later, not being able to be there with his friends is frustrating. (France went 3-2 in group play.)

“It’s very disappointing,” he said of his injury occurring two days before the start of competition. “It has been tough for me but it is what it is, man. It’s not really the way that I wanted to end my summer. What can you do? I’m not going to sit over here and cry. I’m back in Indy, happy to be here, and happy to see my guys over here, too.

“I got to move forward, hopefully have a great season, and then I’ll see those guys next summer.”

Mahinmi plans to go back home for “a little bit” to pack up his stuff before returning to Indy for good. The team opens training camp on Tuesday, Sept. 30. He’s set to begin his third season with the Pacers, and seventh in the NBA.

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