Spurs' Mamu reaching Patty Mills fan favorite level with these quotes

Sandro Mamukelashvili is quickly becoming a beloved figure in San Antonio, much like players before him—Patty Mills, George Hill, and Boris Diaw, to name a few. Despite his limited playing time, Mamu’s infectious personality, work ethic, and chemistry with the team have endeared him to both fans and teammates.

In an interview with KSAT 12, Mamu showed just how humble he is when he reflected on a comment made by Gregg Popovich at the end of last season. “When Pop called me his favorite player towards the end of last season, deep down in my heart, I was like, ‘I hope this means I will come back,’” he shared.

The moment highlighted how much Mamu loves being part of the Spurs organization, even though his playing situation has been frustrating at times.

Mamu's minutes always seemed too hard to find for Popovich

Mamu didn't get many opportunities last season, and that’s the crux of the frustration. He played limited minutes, but when he finally got his chance to shine alongside Victor Wembanyama, his talent and chemistry with The Alien were undeniable.

The connection between Mamu and Wemby was immediate and natural, both players displaying an understanding of the game that comes from their international basketball upbringing.

Wembanyama, a gifted passer, quickly recognized Mamukelashvili's ability to play off the ball and create easy scoring opportunities. Their chemistry on the court was obvious, but Mamu emphasized that their bond goes beyond basketball.

"Me and Wemby’s bond was created off the court. We both like board games, we’re both competitive, we like stuff like Topgolf. It’s just a European thing," Mamu revealed in his interview.

This off-the-court connection only adds to his appeal. Mamu is the type of teammate every player wants—a selfless, team-first guy who plays hard but also keeps things light. His humble, hardworking attitude fits perfectly with the Spurs’ culture. Though he clearly wants more playing time, Mamu always handles questions with grace and a smile.

In many ways, he embodies what it means to be a Spurs player. He’s committed to the team, respects his role, and just wants to contribute to winning. Fans have taken notice, and his popularity continues to grow.

While his minutes on the court may fluctuate, one thing is certain: Mamu has already found a home in the hearts of Spurs fans. Here's hoping he sticks with the team for many years to come.

Watch Mamu's interview below