San Antonio Spurs Re-Sign Pair of Big Men
The San Antonio Spurs have reportedly agreed to contracts to bring back two big men in free agency. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Spurs have re-signed center Charles Bassey. Additionally, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported that San Antonio re-signed Sandro Mamukelashvili. Both big men agreed to a one-year, $2.2 million contract that will be fully guaranteed.
Both big men have spent the last two seasons of their career with the Spurs. In 65 games with San Antonio so far, Mamukelashvili has averaged 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. As for Massey, he has played 54 games for the team, averaging 4.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in that time.
By adding both big men to the roster, there will be additional depth behind reigning Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama.
San Antonio Spurs Re-Sign Pair of Big Men
Sandro Mamukelashvili: “I Love Being [in San Antonio]”
Following the end of the 2023-24 season, Mamukelashvili spoke about his upcoming free agency. The Seton Hall alum eventually became a restricted free agent, meaning it was likely he would return to the team, but Mamukelashvili made it clear he sees a future in San Antonio regardless.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I love being here,” mentioned Mamu after the home win against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, relays Jeff McDonald of The San Antonio Express-News, “I love being around the guys, connecting with them, learning, growing. I’m looking forward to the future and if it’s here, I’ll be very happy.”
Despite a slow start to his season, Mamukelashvili ended the 2023-24 season on a high note. In the final eight games of the season, Mamukelashvili started five of them. During this stretch, he averaged 11.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Additionally, he shot 47.25 from the field and 37% from the three-point line.
The 25-year-old has shown flashes of potential and should be a solid role player for the Spurs next season.
Charles Bassey is Aiming to Bounce Back From Season-Ending ACL Injury
Bassey appeared in the first 19 games of the season last year for San Antonio. The big man averaged 10.8 minutes per game and was gradually assuming a larger role. In what became his final game of the season due to an ACL injury, Bassey recorded an eight-point, 11-rebound, and three-block performance in a December loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. On the season, Bassey averaged 3.3 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 72.5% from the field.
With the Nigeria native now officially returning to the Spurs for next season, it will be interesting to see what type of role he finds himself in. Like Mamukelashvili, Bassey showcased his skillset during his shortened season.
The Last Word on the San Antonio Spurs Free Agency Moves
Re-signing both big men to such cheap contracts is as low-risk of a move as possible for the Spurs. Following their second consecutive 22-60 finish, the Spurs appear to be headed in the right direction after their offseason moves so far. In addition to re-signing Mamukelashvili and Bassey, the Spurs signed point gaurd Chris Paul, drafted guard Stephon Castle, and traded for forward Harrison Barnes.
