It wasn’t easy to be Santi Aldama (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 2001) at the premiere of the 2024-25 NBA season. Just a few hours ago, many important players of his generation received contract extensions with lucrative benefits (that of Sengun, Rockets interior, exceeds 150 million dollars) at the end of the official period for it. For its part, the only Spanish player in the NBA must wait. Los The Memphis Grizzlies did not sign a new contract, and Aldama’s choice was difficult: it will be in the summer or he will have to leave. With that in mind, it was time to play. And boy did he do it.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) reacts to a play against the Utah Jazz during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rob Gray)
Santi Aldama He surely has that in mind, and showed that the fang and talent of the summer with the Spanish team It is more alive than ever. The canary took advantage of the opportunity that presented itself. With the loss of Jaren Jackson Jr., a key piece of Memphis’ interior gamethe ‘7’ started and His response to the non-renewal of the contract was the best on the court. A magical one.
Outstanding performance
The Memphis Grizzlies were different compared to last year, they knocked down the Utah Jazz in the final stretch (124-126) and Aldama was his reference. 27 points, 10/16 in field goals with 5/10 from three-point range, as well as 5 rebounds and two assists. Nobody had put in so much for the Grizzlies on opening day since they moved to the city of soul, blues and rock and roll. Aldama was sensational, just one point shy of his NBA record (28) and the feeling is different in the franchise.
It was reminiscent, in a way, of the attitude of the summer with Spain. Protagonist of external launch, being a solution inside when his teammates needed it and appearing as a beacon of a system that changes radically with the reappearance of Ja Morant in the base position. The controversial ’12’ made 22 points with 10 assists, and his team worked to knock out the ungovernable Lauri Markkanen (35 points).
Utah Jazz forward Taylor Hendricks (0) blocks the shot of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rob Gray)
A tight ending
Aldama It had a lot to do with it. Because Morant found him inside for a mate that opened the difference in the final stretch. joined Marcus Smart, taking on a very risky tackle. And after Markkanen’s final triple, Aldama received and was able to exhaust the little possession that remained for the conclusion. Triumph and exhibition.
I am very confident. In me, in my game…
“I am very confident. In me, my game, my ability inside, my passes… I always want to go out to make big plays, to help the team. My role changes with Ja’s return [Morant]but I want to play as much as possible whether at ‘3’ or ‘4’ and be able to help win,” he analyzed at the end of the match. The Grizzlies smile again and Aldama raises his hand.
