The San Antonio Spurs have made waves in the free agency market by securing the return of two key big men. Shams Charania of The Athletic first reported that the Spurs have inked a deal to re-sign center Charles Bassey. Shortly after, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN confirmed that San Antonio has also brought back Sandro Mamukelashvili. Both players have agreed to a lucrative one-year contract worth $2.2 million, guaranteeing their presence in the upcoming season.
Mamukelashvili expressed his excitement about staying in San Antonio, stating, “I love being here.” This sentiment reflects his satisfaction with the organization and the city, showcasing his commitment to the team’s future success.
Having played for the Spurs for the past two seasons, Mamukelashvili has been a consistent contributor on the court. With averages of 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game in 65 appearances, he has proven to be a valuable asset to the team. Bassey, on the other hand, has showcased his skills in 54 games, averaging 4.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. Together, they bring a formidable presence to the Spurs’ frontcourt rotation.
The addition of Mamukelashvili and Bassey provides much-needed depth behind rising star Victor Wembanyama, who recently won Rookie of the Year honors. The Spurs are clearly investing in their frontcourt to ensure a competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Bassey, who is looking to bounce back from a season-ending ACL injury, is determined to make a strong comeback. Despite facing setbacks, he remains focused on his recovery and is eager to contribute to the team’s success in the coming season.
Reflecting on his recent performances, Mamukelashvili highlighted his strong finish to the 2023-24 season. In the final eight games, he showcased his versatility by averaging 11.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His impressive shooting percentages from the field and beyond the arc further emphasize his importance to the team.
As the Spurs solidify their roster for the upcoming season, the re-signing of Mamukelashvili and Bassey underscores their commitment to building a competitive team. With a mix of experience, talent, and determination, these two big men are poised to make a significant impact in San Antonio’s quest for success.