Players come and go, it’s a nature of the business. One former Milwaukee Buck is making the most of his opportunities with a new team. Sandro Mamukelashvili is playing well for the San Antonio Spurs, a team that picked him off waivers after he was released by the Bucks’.
Sandro’s NBA Path
Sandro Mamukelashvili made his way to the NBA by way of four years at Seton Hall. Standing 6-11 and weighing 240 pounds, Mamukelashvili can do a little bit of everything. As a senior at Seton Hall, Mamukelashvili averaged 17.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists. The Indiana Pacers used a second round pick, pick number 54 on Mamukelashvili in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Sandro Mamukelashvili never put on an Indiana Pacers jersey. The day after he was drafted Indiana traded him to Milwaukee with Georgios Kalaitzakis and two second round picks for Isaiah Todd and 2 more favorable second round picks. On August 3rd, 2021 the Milwaukee Bucks signed him to a two-way contract. Mamukelashvili was waived by the Bucks and two days later the San Antonio Spurs claimed him off waivers. Mamukelashvili’s contract was converted to a regular contract for the remainder of the season.
Making the most of his opportunities
Sandro Mamukelashvili was never going to be an everyday starter for the Milwaukee Bucks’. His playing time was predicated on the health of Milwaukee’s core frontcourt. When given the opportunity, Mamukelashvili did what he could to help the team win.
The San Antonio Spurs, however, can give Mamukelashvili a true shot at playing time. The Spurs have the third worst record in the NBA and have dealt with injuries a majority of their lineup all season long. Mamukelashvili has appeared in nine games for the Spurs and averaging a hair over 20 minutes per game. In those 20 minutes, Sandro has averaged 8.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists. It would be surprising if these numbers didn’t increase for the remainder of the season.
Sandro Mamukelashvili tonight:
20 Points
5 Rebounds
3 Assists
3 Steals
3 3PM50/50/100 splits!
Glad to see Mamu getting in some solid production for San Antonio!Milwaukee Bucks legend 🦌 pic.twitter.com/E4onmDN2JD
— Mamu SZN (@MamuBurner) March 22, 2023
With the San Antonio Spurs in full rebuild mode, it’s possible Sandro Mamukelashvili could be offered a contract past this season. If he keeps producing in the final 10 games of the season, legendary coach Greg Popovich would be wise to keep the young power forward around, for at least a full season.
Sandro and the Spurs make their way to Milwaukee tonight. It will be the first time Sandro will return to Milwaukee after being waived. A warm welcome will likely ensue whenever he enters the game.
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