Entering NBA free agency, the San Antonio Spurs should prioritize bringing back a familiar face.

As the San Antonio Spurs prepare for one of the biggest offseasons in recent years (last year the only massive move was drafting Wemby), all of the available names in free agency have been thrown the Spurs’ way, as they have the cap room to sign big-name players, maybe even at a discount.

Before adding players from other teams, the Spurs will likely make a decision on their current free agents. With nine of their 15 roster spots already filled on guaranteed contracts and two more presumably being added in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, the Spurs will have four spots to fill before the season starts, and retaining fan-favorite Sandro Mamukelashvili should be a priority.

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“Mamu” has not stuffed the stat sheet for the Spurs, averaging 6.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and shooting 46.2 percent from the floor in 65 games over two seasons, but he brings energy off the bench and has thrived in a larger role.

He averaged 11.4 points in his eight games last season where he was on-court for more than 20 minutes, and injected hustle and grit into the Spurs’ second unit.

Having a player who knows his minutes are not guaranteed and is aware that he can ride the bench for weeks on end ensures that when he is on the court, he is giving 100 percent every possession, and he has shown flashes of brilliance.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen in the future, but I love being here. 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,” he said after a game last season.

While he’s made it clear that he loves the Spurs and it’s been clear that the fans love him, he has proven that he can be an end-of-the-bench guy, and he isn’t expensive. With comparisons to Boris Diaw, expect Mamu to play a slightly larger role next season, but for his minutes to still be limited.