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Mamukelashvili proud of Europe’s NBA rise
Spurs forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, right, grabs a rebound over New Orleans Pelicans center Mo Bamba during the second half of Saturday’s game at Frost Bank Center.
LOS ANGELES — Sandro Mamukelashvili is proud to be a European player in the NBA.
“We have all these European players come into the league now,” the Spurs reserve forward from the Republic of Georgia said. “We have a few Europeans who run the league. So, it’s just great to be a European.”
On Monday night, the Spurs will face one of the greatest ever from the continent in Luka Doncic, who has tormented them for years as a member of the Dallas Mavericks but is now teaming with LeBron James after moving to the Lakers in one of the most shocking trades in league history.
“LeBron, his work ethic, his kind of approach, the professionalism is so high,” Mamukelashvili said. "I feel like it just rubs off on everybody. I’m sure there is much Luka can learn from LeBron, as LeBron (can learn) from Luka in some respects.
“It’s going to be a great, great pair.”
But it’s uncertain the Spurs will get their first up-close look at the duo when they face the Lakers in a game originally scheduled for Jan. 11 but was postponed due to the tragic wildfires in the L.A. area.
James, the 40-year-old great who continues to play at an All-NBA level, missed his fourth game in a row Sunday with a groin injury when the Lakers played at Phoenix. L.A. listed Doncic (right ankle sprain) as probable for Sunday’s game, but he might miss Monday’s outing because it’s the second of a back-to-back and he’s also been limited lately by left calf injury management.
Not having to face Doncic would be a relief for the Spurs. In leading the Mavericks to a pair of wins over San Antonio before he was traded to the Lakers on Feb. 1 in a three-team deal that sent Anthony Davis, Max Christie and a 2029 first-round draft pick to Dallas, Doncic averaged 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.0 assists against the Spurs.
In 22 career games against the Spurs, the seventh-year guard has averaged 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds and 9.3 assists. He has also notched seven triple-doubles against San Antonio, the most he’s recorded against any team.
“He’s impressive in every sense of the word,” acting Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said.
According to the NBA, there were 61 European players on opening-night rosters this season, including four members of the 2023-24 All-NBA Team: Doncic (Slovenia); Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece), Denver’s Nikola Jokic (Serbia) and Sacramento’s Domantas Sabonis (Lithuania).
“Seeing all these Europeans who come in and do so much good stuff motivates me,” Mamukelashvili said.
The fourth-year player had one of his best games of the season in Saturday’s 119-115 win over New Orleans, finishing with 10 points and seven rebounds in just 12 minutes off the bench. Now, he hopes to put together another strong outing against Doncic and the Lakers.
“Luka is inspirational, with how good he is. I don’t know if I’ll ever be at that level … but I’m kind of trying to be that European player who kids love and respect and see how high you can go if you work,” Mamukelashvili said.
Wembanyama away from team for stretch
Victor Wembanyama didn’t make the trip to Los Angeles after being absent from the last two home games.
“He’s got a bunch of stuff going on … the health … is going to be the priority, so I’m sure we will see him soon,” Johnson said.
Wembanyama’s absence was notable at the Frost Bank Center because he’s been a fixture on the Spurs bench for the last several games after the team ruled him out for the rest of the season Feb. 20 with a season-ending blood clot in his right shoulder.
A Spurs staffer said Wembanyama is expected to be at the Spurs’ two home games this week: Wednesday against New York and Friday versus Philadelphia.
Branham assigned to G League
The Spurs assigned Malaki Branham to the Austin Spurs on Saturday after the little-used third-year guard requested the move.
“I am hoping he gets what he’s looking for, which is an opportunity to play real minutes and show all the ways he has put in work throughout the season to get better and develop,” Johnson said of Branham, who the Spurs selected 20th overall in 2022 after his freshman season at Ohio State.
Branham scored seven points in seven minutes in Friday’s loss to Charlotte, the most he has played since logging 15 minutes against Portland on Dec. 13.
“That (going to the G League) is something he did not need to do and wasn’t asked to do in terms of because you’re not doing something here,” Johnson said. “It was more the opportunity wasn’t there for him, and for him … to seek it out and try to take advantage of it, speaks volumes about him.”
Spurs hopeful Bassey will return
The Spurs aren’t ruling out Charles Bassey returning before the regular season ends April 13.
“It’s the hope,” Johnson said of the San Antonio St. Anthony alumnus playing in the final weeks of the season.
Saturday’s game marked the 11th in a row the backup center has missed due to a left knee bone bruise.
“He’s doing everything that’s asked and more,” Johnson added. “I know he really wants to get back and help us. I know he’s doing what he needs to do to get ready.”