The San Antonio Spurs have ten players already signed for next season, and most of them (if not all) complement Victor Wembanyama very well, and no one is on a bad contract.
Their biggest needs this offseason will be a Chris Paul replacement, assuming he signs elsewhere, as well as a backup center, which could be found in the draft if the Spurs select Derik Queen or Khaman Maluach.
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On a budget deal, the Spurs are predicted to bring back fan-favorite Sandro Mamukelashvili.
“Sandro Mamukelashvili seems most likely to return,” wrote Spotrac’s Keith Smith. “He’s been effective as a backup big, despite inconsistent minutes. Charles Bassey and Bismack Biyombo could come back, but they’d be on veteran minimum deals for frontcourt depth. Same with Jordan McLaughlin in the backcourt. Keep an eye on new two-way deals for Harrison Ingram and Riley Minix. Ingram shot poorly in the G League, but did enough else to get another year. Minix showed a ton of potential before suffering a season-ending injury on January 1.”
The Georgian big man averaged only 6.3 points and 3.1 rebounds this season, although he continued to show promise as the season went on and his minutes increased.
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In a win over the New York Knicks, he scored 34 points and grabbed nine rebounds, missing only a single shot. After the game, he was joined by personal friend Flavor Flav, much to the delight of fans and his teammates.
The Spurs will continue to use “Mamu” as a backup option behind Wembanyama, although on a low-budget deal, it makes sense to have him as a depth piece. He’s made it clear he wants to stay in San Antonio, as well.
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