Evaluating the career trajectory of Memphis Grizzlies' potential breakout star Santi Aldama

Santi Aldama plays as a power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies. Aldama hails from Spain. The Utah Jazz selected him with their 30th pick in the 2021 NBA draft. Aldama's rights were traded to the Grizzlies later on. He started his career in Spain but eventually moved to America and played college basketball.

Aldama played for the Loyola Greyhounds. Aldama averaged 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. Aldama shot 49% from the floor, including 30% from the field, playing 27 games and 33.3 minutes on average. Aldama was a four-star recruit in college.

Santi Aldama played 32 games in his debut NBA season last year. He didn't crack into the rotation as a regular. Aldama was way down the pecking order on the Grizzlies' frontcourt chart. However, injuries and Covid outbreaks saw him bag invaluable minutes on the court during various junctures.

Aldama's inconsistency didn't cement his spot with the first unit. However, he continued his development with the Grizzlies' G-League team, putting in impressive shifts on a nightly basis.

Evaluating Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama's career trajectory

Santi Aldama's first year didn't go as well as he would've liked. He averaged 4.1 points and 2.7 rebounds, playing just 11.3 minutes per game. However, Aldama has received a glorious opportunity to break into the Memphis Grizzlies' rotation in his sophomore year.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined for the first few months as he recovers from a foot injury and an open starting spot available, Aldama could receive extended minutes on the floor. With more opportunities, he can thrive and display his potential.

He is already showing that he is ready to bag that role after an inconsistent rookie year. Santi Aldama has been a breakout star during the preseason for the Memphis Grizzlies. Across five appearances, Aldama has averaged 12.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per contest, shooting on a 58/40/82 clip.

Aldama has started every game, playing 25.2 minutes on average. As of now, he seems like a solid option to start the new season. If he can continue flourishing with his extended minutes, Aldama could be a starter even after Jaren Jackson Jr. returns from injury.

Santi Aldama is still young in his career, but he has shown his potential when given the opportunity on several occasions. This season, he could emerge as a breakout star for the young Memphis Grizzlies.