NBA Comparison: Jonah Boldin

Strengths: A unique player, the 6’10 point forward is tremendously difficult to stop with the ball in his hands…Mamukelashvili is crafty and patient in the post, and is a great low block scorer, especially over smaller defenders…Loves to push in transition, and has the handle and vision to lead the break…Is not a freak athlete, but runs well for his size…Can play either the power forward or center position…A great scorer, Mamukelashvili averaged over 17 points per game in his final collegiate season…Good rebounder despite often being out on the perimeter…Was able to overpower a lot of collegiate defenders with his strength and size…Smart passer, and knows when to swing the ball if he has been double…Improved every year with the Pirates, and had one of the most productive years of any prospect this season…Was the main threat of Seton Hall offensively, was still able to score in bunches…Really good handle for a player of his size…A good perimeter defender, Mamukelashvili averaged over a steal per game, and is a smart, active defender…Not much of a shot blocker, but has the size and strength to guard bigger power forwards and even centers in a pinch…A consummate teammate, he would help the culture of any locker room.

Weaknesses: Not a great shooter, Mamukelashvili shot just 43% from the field and 34% from deep…Needs to improve decision making of when to shoot…Averaged over three turnovers per game, and lacks the skill to be a consistent ball handler, even though he loves to play with the ball…Needs the ball to be effective, due to his lack of spacing, movement and athleticism…Runs well for his size, but is heavier than most forwards, and could struggle to stay in front of quicker players…Is older than most prospects at 22-years-old…Not a good interior defender despite his large frame…He was the star of Seton Hall, but his talents fit more as a star than as a role player, a designation that will certainly be applied to the talented senior…Will he be allowed to play to his strengths, like pushing in transition and playing in the post, or will teams prefer that the guards handle the ball and he is relegated to screening?

Notes: Measured 6’9.0” barefoot, 6’10.0” in shoes 8’10.5” standing reach, 239.8 lbs, and 7’1.25” wingspan at the 2021 NBA Draft Combine …

Michael Hopp 8/2/21