Open Thread: Happy birthday to Mamu
The fan favorite hits the quarter-century mark
Sandro Mamukelashvili, or “Mamu” as he has been aptly nicknamed, celebrates his 25th birthday today.
The New York born, Georgian-raised (that’s Georgia in Russia, not the Peach State) big man’s grandmother was a member of the Soviet Women’s National Basketball team. In other words, he’s got the genetic makeup of a baller.
And ball he did once he arrived here in San Antonio. Although he joined the team in March 2023, he spent those last nineteen games of that regular season making a name for himself, averaging over 10 points per game while shooting over 50%. Sure, it was a small sample size, but it may be enough to nab him a spot on the 2023-2024 Spurs roster.
Mamu is a restricted free agent this summer and with so many draft picks, the Spurs have some decisions to make based on position. With the addition of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs were stacked at the 4 and 5, but since Charles Bassey was out all season, there was room for experimentation in the roster.
Mamu appeared in just over half of the games, but the reduction in minutes was reflected in his output.
I, for one, hope to see him on the Spurs roster even if he has to take some sideline time while the starters build their communication.
Mamu came in looking more ready for the NBA than many with similar time on the hardwood. Sean Elliott attributed that to his four years of college, something many in the NBA do not experience these days. The time in a consistent system has elevated his basketball IQ. Finding the Spurs put him in a system where those surrounding him welcomed him and encouraged him to find his footing from the start.
The former Seton Hall Pirate was 54th overall in 2021 (hence his jersey number), and got his start in Milwaukee where he played in 65 games over two seasons before being waived as the Bucks solidified their playoff roster. It took days, but the Spurs got him down to the Alamo City just in time to let him show off a bit.
Here’s to hoping we get some more of that.
Happy birthday, Mamu.
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