By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Sandro Mamukelashvili will get a new NBA opportunity at the San Antonio Spurs.
Mamukelashvili, 23, will switch from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Spurs with his two-way contract claimed off waivers, per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Making room, Isaiah Roby is set to be released.
The New York-born Georgian big made his way to 65 NBA games on a two-way contract with the Bucks, since being selected with the 54th overall pick of the 2021 draft. His efforts amounted to 3.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 0.2 steals per contest. Displaying his talents at affiliate Wisconsin Herd, he tallied 20.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game in the G League.
Deciding to part ways with the former Seton Hall standout, the Milwaukee franchise requested waivers on Mamukelashvili Wednesday.
Moving on to San Antonio, proven a friendly city for European players, he will meet an intriguing continental prospect in the form of Jeremy Sochan. The 19-year-old Polish forward was picked up with the ninth selection of the 2022 draft and has emerged as a quality starter for the team coached by Gregg Popovich.
At the international level, Mamukelashvili’s experience with Georgia at the senior level recently extended to the 2022 EuroBasket. Despite averaging 15.2 points with 45.2% from the field, 11 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, the team coached by Ilias Zouros did not make it out of Group A held in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. Appearances in the 2019 and 2023 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers up caps to nine.
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