Signed quietly in the offseason on a minimum contract, Sandro Mamukelashvili has become an unexpectedly valuable contributor for the Raptors, giving the team quality minutes as Jakob Poeltl’s backup, writes Eric Koreen of The Athletic.
His energy, mobility, and willingness to do the dirty work have helped stabilize Toronto’s second unit, an area that lacked reliable frontcourt depth in previous seasons.
Mamukelashvili has embraced this opportunity as the first time in his career that he’s been part of a consistent NBA rotation. He’s determined to make the most of it.
“I tell myself that you waited for this opportunity for four years, and no matter what, you go out swinging,” he said.
“In Georgia, we have a saying: ‘You don’t risk it, you don’t drink champagne.’ So you’ve got to make sure you come out swinging. I tell that to myself every game.”
Raptors Notes: Ingram, Barnes, Mahlalela, Mamukelashvili https://t.co/oeOB7xBEie pic.twitter.com/GoZtUhM84z
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