Milwaukee Bucks: Evaluating the young players after preseason

Evaluating the Milwaukee Bucks young players after the preseason: Sandro Mamukelashvili looks ready to step in

I’m sure most people didn’t think that Sandro Mamukelashvili would see the steady diet of minutes that he got so early, but that’s what happens when two guys ahead of you on the depth chart don’t play at all in the preseason.

Still, Mamukelashvili had to step in and prove that he could handle those rotation minutes even if he was forced into them. Luckily for him and the Bucks, the rookie proved he could hang well enough against opposing teams’ other rotation players that he may get some looks early in the regular season if Bobby Portis and Semi Ojeleye aren’t ready to go.

He played all five preseason games, averaging 22.3 minutes, 8.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists. Despite the volume (2.2 attempts from 3), he didn’t shoot the triple very well at only 27.3 percent, a carryover from his Summer League performance. Mamukelashvili shot the 3 relatively well in his final two collegiate seasons, but it has yet to come with his NBA game yet.

What has carried over is his rebounding, specifically his offensive rebounding. He averaged 2.6 offensive rebounds per game, good for a 10.9 percent offensive rebounding rate. That was something I noticed during his Summer League games, was how active he is crashing the offensive glass.

I noted before the preseason games that he wouldn’t get much of a chance to show off his more unique skills like his dribbling and passing if he was going to play in the rotation early and play with the Bucks better players, which was the case.

I’d like to see what Mamukelashvili can do with more reps and playing time more suited for his unique skills, but that will likely come with the Herd. Regardless, it was a good start for Mamukelashvili who has found an early niche in the NBA as someone who can crash the offensive glass and make plays around the basket as a scorer and passer.