Wizards' Ian Mahinmi: Hopes to return by end of month

Mahinmi (knee) was a full participant in shootaround Saturday and said he hopes to return to game action by the end of the month, Candace Buckner of the Washington Post reports.

Analysis:

Mahinmi is yet to play this season after undergoing a procedure on his knee back in mid-October, but the free agent signee could be back within the next two weeks. He told the assembled media that he was "able to do everything" at shootaround Saturday, though it's worth noting that he's yet to participate in a full-speed, five-on-five practice. That step will likely come this week, though, as Mahinmi works his way back into game shape. Once healthy, Mahinmi will be an immediate factor in the frontcourt, serving as the first big man off the bench behind Marcin Gortat.