It can be difficult for a young player to get meaningful playing time on a team with constant title aspirations like the Milwaukee Bucks. Such was the case of two promising players in forward, Jordan Nwora and big man Sandro Mamukelashvili. Now on different teams after the Bucks let them go a few weeks ago, Nwora and Mamukelashvili have flourished with the chance they've been given.
Traded away to the Pacers
Selected in the second round by the Bucks in the 2020 NBA Draft, Nwora had seen inconsistent playing time in the Bucks' loaded lineup. In fact, in his two seasons and a half with the Bucks, Nwora averaged nearly 16 minutes a game in the 130 games that he suited up. Getting traded to the Indiana Pacers a few weeks ago, Nwora has seen much more playing time, and with it, he's showcased a lot more of his capabilities.
In 14 games for the Pacers, Nwora is averaging 11.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, playing a key role for an Indiana squad that is looking to make the play-in tournament.
Waived and picked up by the Spurs
To be fair, credit is due to the Bucks for making the right play in waiving Mamukelashvili. A young 6-foot-11 big man with loads of potential, the Seton Hall product was never going to get the playing time he needed to sufficiently develop in the NBA—not with the Bucks squad trotting out a frontcourt with veterans Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis Jr., and Meyers Leonard.
And so, after getting waived by the Bucks on March 1st, Mamukelashvili was eventually picked up by the Spurs, and he has not looked back ever since. With the tanking Spurs, Mamukelashvili has seen the floor often and is taking advantage of the opportunity, averaging 8.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per outing.
The big man also recently popped off for 20 points, five boards, three assists, and three steals in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
The NBA is filled with talented players, and more often than not, the difference lies in finding the right situation for a player to fully unlock their potential. Nwora and Mamukelashvili are prime examples of this, and it will be interesting to see how these former Bucks do the rest of the season.
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