The resurgence of Sandro Mamukelashvili entering his second year with the San Antonio Spurs has been a welcome surprise for a team that is looking to solidify their bench rotation. In a league full of uncertainties, Mamu is certainly making a case for rotational minutes this season for the Spurs:
Preseason Game 1 vs OKC Thunder | 14 points | 3 rebounds | 1 assist
Preseason Game 2 vs Orlando Magic | 9 points | 4 rebounds | 1 assist
Preseason Game 3 vs Utah Jazz | 15 points | 2 rebounds | 5 assists
Mamu’s consistency from behind the arc has been the highlight of the Spurs preseason shooting a lights-out 75% against OKC, to go along with 50% against the Magic and Jazz. With only 2 steals and no blocks through 3 preseason games, it is usually a cause for concern; however, when Mamu is on the court, he becomes a disruptor.
Becoming a disruptor against the opposing offense is not a category that appears in the box score, yet Mamu continues to create opportunities for his teammates to make defensive plays, which transition into the fast-break offense we have seen this preseason.
Through 3 preseason games, Mamu has averaged:
12.7 PPG
3.0 RPG
2.3 APG
54.5 FG%
56.3 3PT% (5.3 3PA)
83.3 FT%
21.4 MPG
The box score through 3 preseason games only provides a glimpse of the Sandro Mamukelashvili effect when he's on the floor. However, by averaging the statistical numbers through 3 games, we discover the significance of Mamu’s impact on the Spurs is much greater than the box score suggests.
Mamu wasn't allotted much time last season to truly show his on-court talent and athleticism; judging by the first 3 games of the preseason, this did not deter Sandro nor halt his progression heading into the Spurs’ NBA opener against the Mavericks.
The Miseducation of Sandro Mamukelashvili began when he was drafted by the Pacers with the 54th pick in the second round, being traded that same evening to the Milwaukee Bucks, signing a two-way contract, playing Summer League where he became All-NBA Summer League First Team on July 18, 2022, only to be waived by the Bucks March 1, 2023.
That's why many fans have described Sandro Mamukelashvili as the heart and soul of the San Antonio Spurs because Mamu continues to evolve his game through dedication and commitment to the art of persistence.
Sandro Mamukelashvili is the epitome of resiliency, the definition of tenacity, and it's perfectly fitting to acknowledge him as:
Mr. Consistency.
The Miseducation Of Sandro Mamukelashvili