Spurs fans must officially say goodbye to beloved player who never got fair shot

The Spurs opted not to re-sign Sandro Mamukelashvili, so now fans must bid the Georgian big man farewell. He signed a two-year, $5.5 million deal with Toronto, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, further depleting San Antonio's already slim frontcourt. The signing concludes a two and a half year stint with the Silver and Black, and fans will miss the energetic flair Mamu brought to the floor.

The Seton Hall product played in 126 games for San Antonio during his tenure and averaged six points, four rebounds, and one assist in 12 minutes per game. His interviews were always pleasant because he's a good person, and those guys are valued in the 210. He deserved more playing time while he was here, and it's something most fans will never truly understand.

Mamu never got a fair shake

Defense is supposed to be the team's identity, but it's been fleeting, at best, since Sandro's joined the roster. That wasn't his fault as it was the case whether he was in the game or not. But what we know is tha Mamu is also a good passer and can space the floor. Two things the young Spurs have needed and are just helped to address by drafting Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant.

There's much more to be done, though, and somebody who could have helped the offense was sitting on the bench the entire time. He didn't get enough playing time while he was here, and for a team that had holes all over the roster, that shouldn't have been the case. Mamu shot 37% from three last season. That should have been reason enough to give him more time on the floor.

One of Spurs Nations' lasting memories will be when Mamukelashvili went ballistic for 34 points in the middle of March against the New York Knicks with Flavor Flav in the crowd. He was on fire that night, draining 7/7 three-pointers, and just getting any and everything he wanted. It was a magical sight for the fans at the end of a season doomed by injury and Pop's health issues.

You'll also remember how well Mamu played with Victor Wembanyama at the end of Vic's rookie season. They had an easy and natural chemistry that led most to believe that we'd see the duo on the floor more often the following year. But that didn't happen. Coach Pop had even mentioned needing to get the 6'11" center more minutes. It never came to fruition.

Now, Mamu is gone, and all the potential he showcased will be cultivated elsewhere. That's great for Toronto fans. They'll love him. It sucks for Spurs fans. We'll miss him.