Welcome to Pounding the Rock’s 2023-24 participant critiques! The sequence will have a look at the 15 gamers who completed the season with the San Antonio Spurs on assured contracts (so no two-way gamers as a result of we noticed so little of them this yr, and no Doug McDermott). Take pleasure in!
Sandro Mamukelashvili
2023-24 stats: 46 video games, 4.1 factors, 3.2 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 47.1 FG%.
Contract Standing: Restricted Free Agent
Age: 24
Sandro Mamukelashvili at all times needed to be a Spur. He stated as a lot when he joined San Antonio final yr. After a sizzling end to the 2022-23 season, followers had been excited to see what Mamu might do in 2023-24. It wasn’t till April that we actually acquired to see what Mamukelashvili might do – he didn’t disappoint.
He was one of many San Antonio Spurs greatest gamers on the finish of the season, beginning 5 out of their remaining 7 video games the place they went 4-3. Mamukelashvili performed 40% of his minutes within the month of April. Throughout that stretch Mamu averaged 11.6 factors, 9.7 rebounds and a pair of.1 assists whereas capturing 38.5% from three. Mamukelashvili earned reward from Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich, who referred to as the Georgian large man his “favourite participant,” for his fixed motion and basketball IQ.
Mamukelashvili is a beneath common defender who is simply too small to protect sturdy bigs and too sluggish to protect faster forwards. He makes up for it with effort and offensive ability. Mamukelashvili was a monster on the boards within the final month of the season, posting a number of double-digit rebounding performances. He’s a talented passer, cutter and has proven the flexibility to area the ground (regardless of being a 29.7% three-point shooter on the season.) He had robust offensive synergy with Victor Wembanyama. Mamu was at all times transferring to the open spots when double groups got here Wemby’s means. His run was a small glimpse into what constant minutes might imply for Mamukelashvili. It was sufficient to provide Spurs followers hope for what’s to come back.
Wanting ahead
Was Mamukelashvili’s robust finish to the season sufficient to earn him one other contract with San Antonio? That’s the query the Spurs are confronted with this offseason. On one hand, Mamu appears like an excellent match subsequent to Wembanyama, and would supply the Spurs with some offense within the second unit. On the opposite, he’s a legal responsibility on protection and performs a place the place the Spurs have loads of depth.
San Antonio has loads of mouths to feed within the entrance courtroom. Zach Collins, Keldon Johnson, Sidy Cissoko, Dominick Barlow, Charles Bassey and Mamu all would struggle for minutes off the bench if they’re again subsequent season. That’s not even together with the 2 potential first spherical picks the Spurs might herald, and any veteran free agent acquisitions they make. PATFO goes to have some robust choices to make on who they carry again from this roster, which implies Mamukelashvili might discover himself on the skin trying in.
Mamukelashvili has a number of issues getting into his favor. Popovich is clearly a fan and would seemingly be an advocate for his return. He’s a restricted free agent who as soon as once more gained’t include a big price ticket. He’s additionally seemingly well liked by his teammates. These components might assist Mamu stick round in San Antonio subsequent season.
High efficiency
Ultimate grade: B
Up Subsequent: Blake Wesley
Earlier Opinions
Sidy Cissoko
Charles Bassey
Devonte’ Graham
Dominick Barlow
