SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs' Sandro Mamukelashvili will be a restricted free agent this summer, but he'd like to stay in San Antonio if it were up to him.
Speaking with EuroHoops, Mamu discussed his time with the Spurs and his hopes to continue being a part of the franchise's new chapter.
"I’m very happy to be there. I’m humbled," he said. "I’m honored for sure to be around great teammates and learn from them. We’ll see what happens but I’m really excited to be a part of the young guys who are in the NBA."
Mamukelashvili was initially signed by the Spurs on March 3, 2023. The team then re-signed him to a one-year, $2 million deal that expires soon.
However, he made his case for the Spurs to think hard about re-signing him again after the end of the 2023-24 season.
He recorded a career-high in several statistical categories, including points per game (4.1), rebounds (3.2), assists (1.1), and field goal percentage (47%).
Also, he closed out the season strong.
He started five games in April, averaging 11.6 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.5% from the three-line.
More importantly, he meshed well with Victor Wembanyama, and coach Gregg Popovich sees his huge upside on the court.
“We definitely have to have that discussion,” said Popovich, having Mamukelashvili back for next season. “I’ve said it before: He really knows how to play.”
“He’s done a good job," Popovich added. "He deserves a very serious discussion.”
And the feeling is mutual.
He is a fan favorite, has a high motor, and is ready to work to earn more playing time next season if he is still with the Spurs.
"Hopefully, I can keep getting better and getting more playing time," Sandro said.
There should not be any significant roadblock for Mamu to stay a Spur.
His price tag would not be huge; he has built chemistry with the young roster, and the Spurs can afford to keep him, considering how well the team is under the salary cap.
A RETURN TO EUROPEAN BASKETBALL SOMEDAY
Mamu also dreams of playing in the EuroLeague someday. He shared with EuroHoops that he would love to play in Italy.
"Hopefully one day I can come back before I finish my career and play somewhere in Europe”, he said. "My preferred spot would definitely be Italy. If I come back I would definitely wanna be in Italy, because I want to move here when I’m done playing. Maybe with Milano, maybe with Virtus, maybe with somebody else. But definitely in Italy."