Pacers' Ian Mahinmi says Parisians are 'scared and losing confidence'

Indiana Pacers forward Ian Mahinmi, a Frenchman, said the Parisians he's talked to in recent days are "scared and losing confidence" in their ability to remain safe.

Speaking prior to Friday night's Pacers game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Mahinmi said his mother and several friends live in the French capitol rocked this week by terrorism. He said he has regularly been on the telephone with them.

"It's obviously a scary situation, and the people are scared," he said in a subdued voice. "For me it's hard to be that far away and hear the feedback and hear what people are saying. It's a very tough situation."

He took a long exhale.

"I don't know; it's hard," he said.

Mahinmi's struggle to get information has been complicated by the Pacers being on the West Coast on Wednesday when the Charlie Hebdo attack occurred.

"We've had so (many) games and flying and sometimes I just call my best friend (in Paris to hear) what's going on, what's the latest," he said. "He's been telling me all that stuff.

"Rough time."

After the 12 people were killed, Mahinmi tweeted (translated): "We must pick ourselves up collectively and move forward together."

Mahinmi was born in Rouen, France, about 80 miles west of Paris. He joined the NBA in 2007 after playing four seasons in the French professional league.

Follow Star reporter Curt Cavin on Twitter: @curtcavin.