Utah Jazz Free Agency: Potential Center Targets

Apr 5, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) dunks the ball in front of Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) dunks the ball in front of Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) in the third quarter at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
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Ian Mahinmi Indiana Pacers NBA Playoffs Free Agency
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Indiana Pacers center Ian Mahinmi (28) warms up prior to playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Mahinmi

2015-16 stats: 9.3 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.1 bpg, 1.5 apg, .589 fg%, .587 ft%, 16.6 PER

Although he’s suddenly creeping up on the big 3-0, Ian Mahinmi remains one of the underrated gems of the NBA. After years of being underutilized in Indy, Mahinmi received a career-high 25.6 minutes per game this season and made the most of his opportunity.

In 71 games for the Pacers (all starts), the 6-foot-11 big man averaged 9.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.

He’s one of those players who does their business right at the rim and converts at a high rate. Of players attempting at least 250 field goals, Mahinmi ranked seventh in the NBA with a field goal percentage of 58.9. He could continue to flourish on a team with Dante Exum and Raul Neto throwing him lob passes.

Imagine him doing things like this in Jazz blue, green and gold–

On the other side of the floor, he is also a plus defender. Of Indiana’s most-used, five-man lineups this season, the top three in defensive rating all included Mahinmi.

Next: Joakim Noah