Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili opened up about his desire to return to Europe to finish his career and potentially play in an NBA Europe league, believing it will be a success and that now is a good time to launch it.
Toronto Raptors forward Sandro Mamukelashvili opened up about his desire to return to Europe and potentially play in an NBA Europe league to finish his career during an appearance on the Full Court Passport podcast.
The 26-year-old Georgian forward believes NBA Europe will be a success and says the timing is right to launch the new league.
"I think it will be a really successful league," Mamukelashvili said. "Think about it - NBA Europe would have the best cities in Europe. It would create opportunities for players who are close to making the NBA while also allowing them to develop."
"I think it will work. Maybe it will take a year or two to get going, but the idea is amazing," he continued.
"There is so much to do with basketball, and I think it's the right time to start it. The talent will be there."
Credit FIBA Media
Mamukelashvili also noted that the league could compete, to some extent, with both college basketball and the NBA.
"I think it's going to compete a little bit with college and a little bit with the NBA. I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out, and hopefully down the line I'll get a chance to play there as well," he added.
Mamukelashvili also emphasized his desire to finish his career in Europe.
"I would say, first, I want to play in Europe. I want to finish my career there. I want to live there most of the time, and hopefully, once I have kids, I want them to be there with me and experience those emotions - being close to home, having it be easier for my parents to visit, and for my friends to come see me," he said.
This season, Mamukelashvili has carved out a solid role with the Raptors.
He has appeared in 65 games, averaging 10.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in around 22 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Toronto currently sits sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 38–29 record.
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