After four seasons with the Pacers, center Ian Mahinmi moved on to the Washington Wizards last July. He signed a four-year, $64 million deal that pays him $16 million annually. - As the Pacers rebuilt their roster and Mahinmi, among others, went elsewhere, it’s been really special to see those guys (and their significant other) remain close. - Recently, George Hill’s fiancé, Sam, C.J. Miles’ wife, Lauren, and more met in D.C. to celebrate the birthday of Alexis — Ian’s wife. - “Basketball is our job. We do what we love, but it’s also a business,” Mahinmi said. “When you spend time with teammates and people like that, I think you become a family and it becomes a brotherhood where it goes way beyond whatever you do on the court. Me and George [Hill] are like real brothers.” - In past years, Mahinmi and Hill would train together in Texas and they remain close friends today. In fact, Mahinmi’s teenage brother, Jason, lives with the Hill’s in Utah. - “It goes way beyond being teammates. It’s really family matters.” - [Mahinmi receives 2016 Teammate of the Year Award] - The challenge for him this season has been health. His appearance at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Friday (0 points, 3 rebounds) was just his third game of the season with the Wizards. - First he suffered a partially torn left meniscus in the preseason, then returned in late November and had right knee tendinitis. In December he had platelet-rich plasma treatment on both knees before finally returning on Feb. 8. - I think you’ll enjoy this podcast catching up with Mahinmi, who appreciated Pacers fans and his time in Indy. - Subscribe to the Pacers Podcast on iTunes. - I welcome your questions and comments @ScottAgness on Twitter or via email. - Topics Discussed: - - * Emotions of facing his former team in Indianapolis. - * Maintaining relationship despite player movement. - * Seeing his close friend, George Hill, traded from his hometown team. - * Feeling part of the team while missing significant time because of injury. - * Getting settled in somewhere new.