Santi Aldama shines as Memphis Grizzlies navigate injury turmoil
The Memphis Grizzlies have become all too acquainted with the relentless grip of the injury bug in recent seasons. As they gear up for the current campaign, the absence of veteran big man Brandon Clarke, sidelined due to persistent knee issues, looms large. Additionally, second-year center Zach Edey is still recuperating from ankle surgery performed in the offseason, an ailment that has recently resurfaced after just 11 games. In the midst of this growing injury list, Santi Aldama has stepped into a pivotal new role within Tuomas Iisalo’s dynamic offensive scheme, functioning as a key screener.
Aldama embraces new responsibilities
“It’s not easy,” Aldama remarked, reflecting on his adjustment. “But the group needed me to do it. It’s been hard to adjust at times. But it’s also been seamless because of the work we’ve put in and I’ve been with my whole life.” The young forward has found himself switching roles, moving from the four to the five position, adapting his play to better support the team. “It’s about having honest conversations and seeing where I can help the group at all times. Being one of the most veteran guys on the team and having been here as one of the longest, it’s important for me to be that voice and constant amid the chaos.”
A career year for Aldama
Despite the mixed results on the defensive end, Aldama is enjoying one of the most productive seasons of his career. In 27 games, he is averaging 12.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. His shooting numbers tell a compelling story as well, with a field goal percentage of 46.8 percent, although he has struggled somewhat from beyond the arc, hitting only 32.5 percent of his 3-point attempts on 4.3 tries per game. Perhaps the most significant improvement has come in his efficiency as a pick-and-roll screener, where he is scoring 1.11 points per possession—an impressive jump from the 0.77 he recorded last season, according to NBA.com’s tracking data.
Navigating the court in a new role
“As a five, you’re more in the middle of the court and trying to set some screens and find maybe a pop, a roll, or a cut to get the corners open,” Aldama explained. “As a four, you’re more playing off closeouts.” His ability to adapt to the nuances of each position has been crucial, and he credits his teammates for their guidance. “I’ve been talking with guys that play that position. I’ve been talking to Ja. He’s been great for us there. Obviously, my advantage is different than his. But he understands the spacing.”
Impact amid injury challenges
With Clarke’s recent return to the lineup, Aldama has found some relief, yet he remains one of the Grizzlies’ most effective bigs in the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr., Edey, and Jock Landale. The team’s fortunes have turned, winning nine of their last 12 games as they prepare to face off against the Washington Wizards on Saturday night at 8:00 p.m. EST. The Grizzlies continue to navigate the complexities of their injury-plagued roster, and Aldama’s emergence as a key player signals hope amidst the turmoil.
