SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Spurs and Sandro Mamukelashvili agreed to a one-year deal worth $2.2 million to bring the 25-year-old power forward back next season, according to a report from ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski
Mamu finished the 2023-24 campaign strong, averaging 11.4 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his final 11 games. In a win over the Memphis Grizzlies on April 9, Mamukelashvili snatched a career-high 16 rebounds with 11 points.
His play in the homestretch made Spurs Head coach Gregg Popovich consider whether the team should bring him back next season.
“We definitely have to have that discussion,” said Popovich. “I’ve said it before: He really knows how to play.”
His play to close the season made coach Gregg Popovich consider whether the team should bring him back next season. Mamukelashvili himself appeared to confirm the deal, tweeting minutes after Wojnarowski's report: "Back Home!"
The Spurs initially signed Mamukelashvili on March 3, 2023.
Last season, he recorded career highs in several statistical categories, including points per game (4.1), rebounds (3.2), assists (1.1), and field goal percentage (47%).
Mamu expressed his desire to return to San Antonio and contribute to the team's rebuild this offseason.
"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."
"Hopefully, I can keep getting better and getting more playing time," Sandro said.
BASSEY ALSO COMING BACK
Center Charles Bassey is also re-signing with the team to a one-year deal worth $2.2 million, according to a report from Shams Charania.
The Alamo City product was shelved for most of the 2023-24 season due to a left knee injury he suffered while playing with the Austin Spurs.
The injury happened during a Dec. 10 matchup with the Texas Legends while he was on assignment with the team's G League affiliate. He posted 30 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks in the game.
Bassey, who attended San Antonio's St. Anthony High School, averaged 3.3 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 72.5% from the field in 19 games for the Spurs. Bassey has been working to carve out a role for himself in San Antonio's rotation, and the explosive leaper impacted games by cleaning the glass and blocking shots.
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