Despite some recent challenges to their stability, the Raptors are very much on track to make the playoffs this season. The campaign hasn't been flawless, but for a team that has hovered in relative mediocrity in recent years, it will undoubtedly be a breath of fresh air for Raptors fans to see their beloved squad back in the postseason.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, it's safe to say that key threats for the Raptors include players like Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes, with potential X-factors such as RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and the health of center Jakob Poeltl. Emerging young talents like Ja'Kobe Walter and Collin Murray-Boyles could also play pivotal roles.
However, one player quietly flying under the radar but likely to be an important part of their playoff run is forward/center Sandro Mamukelashvili.
It's been an absolute pleasure to see Mamu join the Raptors family, embracing the vision, committing to winning with this core, and growing into a respected fan favorite. He's also built a strong relationship with the guys in the locker room, especially alongside Jamal Shead this season. For much of the year, Mamukelashvili has been one of my favorite players as I watched and reviewed the Raptors' campaign, but since returning from the All-Star break his shining star has somewhat leveled back to earth.
A couple of games ago, the Raptors suffered a demoralizing loss to the Phoenix Suns, during which the lack of production off the bench (including Mamu) was a major concern raised in the post-game press conference. Raptors cornerstone Scottie Barnes took a moment to deliver an encouraging message to the struggling reserves.
In the next game and the Raptors' most recent contest against the Utah Jazz, Mamukelashvili received the starting nod, arguably delivering one of his standout performances of the 2025-26 campaign. He saw over 32 minutes of action, posting 23 points on 9-for-14 shooting, including 3-for-6 from three. He also contributed four rebounds, two assists, one block, and a career-high five steals, helping the Raptors secure a commanding 143-127 victory.
It was a very enjoyable contest to see the Raptors cruise to an easy win, but this is the Utah Jazz we're talking about. The level of competition, defensive effort, and stakes are quite relaxed compared to the Raptors' real range of formidable foes in the playoffs.
How good can Sandro Mamukelashvili be for the Raptors against elite-level teams?
As I mentioned earlier, Mamu's metrics haven't looked as impressive since the All-Star break. His field goal percentage has dipped from 52.5 percent to 48.6 percent, which is still passable, but a dropoff nonetheless. Perhaps the most noticeable change is in his three-point shooting, which has fallen from 41.4 percent on 5.4 attempts per game to just 35.0 percent on 3.2 attempts per game.
However, my Raptors Rapture colleague Daniel O'Connor noted that the increased demand on Mamu due to injuries has put him in a role that may not suit his strengths. But the dropoff becomes more glaring when you look at the March sample to date, as Mamu's three-point shooting has fallen to just 31.6 percent. With teammate Scottie Barnes and even head coach Darko Rajakovic emphasizing that it's Mamukelashvili's job to go out, shoot, and get buckets, I’m not sure this steady decline paints the most optimistic picture as the playoffs approach.
Look, I don't want to downplay Mamu's impressive night against the Jazz, but there's a difference between going out there and feasting on a team like the Jazz in an expanded role, and returning as one of the Raptors' key reserves without replicating that level of impact. Of course, he's a bench piece, so I don't expect him to be the main driver of playoff wins, but his hot shooting spark is still crucial for this team.
It's a skillset that sets Mamu apart from Poeltl and CMB in the big man pecking order. In fact, when Mamu gets a starting role, his game elevates significantly, but the expectation is for him to be just as vital coming off the bench. Buying in is definitely part of Mamu's character, so I have no doubt he can do it, but he needs to step up in the main role expected of him, and the Raptors can't afford quiet nights from Mamu in the playoffs when every extra boost is desperately needed.