Washington Wizards: 5 goals for Ian Mahinmi in 2017-18

4. Assert himself inside, create space for the outside

The Washington Wizards seem to have created the opportunity for a better rotation that can improve beyond the arc. While Ian Mahinmi may not have an outside shot by any means, if he can prove to be more physical in the paint, it may draw additional defenders and create space.

Ian Mahinmi has the ability to make heads up plays and does have pretty decent moves inside the paint. He may not be the biggest in the 4 or 5 in the league, but he certainly takes it to the rack with purpose when he has the chance.

Having a big man off the bench who can be relied upon, especially when left one-on-one, should give players like Kelly Oubre Jr, Jodie Meeks or even Jason Smith extra looks from the outside on the corner.

For example, his highest and best-ranked lineup during the 2016-17 regular season had the company of teammate Jason Smith. He is slightly bigger and more versatile as a big who also has more experience playing at the 4 as opposed to Mahinmi, but they still saw roughly 120 minutes on the court together last year.

Jason Smith is a big who can be a marksman at times from beyond the arc, making 45.7 percent of his corner three attempts last season. This is the exact kind of player and opportunity that Ian Mahinmi can help and excel at facilitating to.

If he is able to succeed in his expected role as a big on who can score on the inside while being a force on the boards, he will open up opportunities on the outside for his teammates.