For years, the Toronto Raptors have searched for a reliable center — particularly one who can stretch the floor without disrupting offensive flow.
Although the Raptors are still searching for long-term stability at the position, center Sandro Mamukelashvili has begun to show he can become that reliable big man. While he may not consistently attract headlines, his on-court impact is beginning to grow.
A High-Level Stretch Big
Mamukelashvili’s greatest value comes from his ability to shoot from beyond the arc.
Standing at 6-foot-9 and roughly 240 pounds, he has established himself as a legitimate floor-spacing big man. For his career, he is shooting 36.6% from three-point range, but this season was his most efficient yet.
This season, he attempted a career-high 3.7 threes per game and connected on 38.9% of them. He finished the season with a career-high 115 3-pointers made, ranking third on the Raptors behind Immanuel Quickley and Brandon Ingram.
In recent years, consistent interior scoring has been a struggle for Toronto. Having a big man who can pull opposing defenders away from the paint and create driving lanes for guards is essential for the Raptors’ offense.
Offensive Versatility Beyond Shooting
While Mamukelashvili’s three-point shooting gets the most attention, other parts of his offensive game often go unnoticed.
Although he averages only 1.2 assists per game for his career, his playmaking ability is impressive for his size. He does a great job putting the ball on the floor and making smart passes to cutters. He can also push the ball in transition, initiate short-roll actions, and drive into the lane before kicking out to open shooters.
Aside from scoring and playmaking, Mamukelashvili is also effective off the ball. In addition to making spot-up shots, he can set screens effectively and cut behind defenses.
His Rising Market Value
Mamukelashvili is currently entering free agency after finishing a short-term veteran contract with the Raptors. But this summer could be a huge one for him.
Big men who shoot nearly 40% from beyond the arc are extremely valuable in today’s NBA. Even though Mamukelashvili isn’t a high-usage player, his efficient shooting, paired with his offensive skill set, makes him extremely valuable.
Another factor increasing his value is his age. Currently, Mamukelashvili is only 26 years old and entering his sixth NBA season. Considering he has avoided major injuries throughout his career, his availability is another positive factor.
Ultimately, the Raptors will have an important decision to make regarding Mamukelashvili’s future. While he isn’t a traditional star center, his ability to stretch the floor, move the ball, and fit into multiple offensive schemes makes him the type of modern big man teams actively seek.
If Toronto is serious about building a more dynamic offense moving forward, keeping Sandro Mamukelashvili could quietly become one of the organization’s smartest offseason decisions.
Leave a comment