Grizzlies get breakout game from possible new starter in win vs Magic

The decision of which Memphis Grizzlies player should replace Jaren Jackson Jr. in the starting lineup just got a lot easier after the team’s 109-97 preseason win against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 3.

With all healthy players dressed out for the team’s second preseason game of the season, Head Coach Taylor Jenkins used a starting lineup of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Santi Aldama, and Steven Adams.

This was a highly anticipated game not only because it was the first time seeing the starters play this preseason, but it was the first glimpse inside the mind of Jenkins and how he’ll go about choosing a starting replacement for Jaren Jackson Jr. as he makes his way back into playing shape from offseason surgery.

Santi Aldama officially arrives for Memphis Grizzlies in preseason win

If the first two Memphis Grizzlies preseason games are any indication of who’s in the lead for the open starting spot, second-year forward Santi Aldama asserted himself as the top dog after a brilliant performance against the Orlando Magic.

In 24 minutes of action, the second-year forward scored 21 points and pulled down 6 rebounds all while shooting 7 for 9 from the field. He knocked down an impressive four of five three-point attempts, too.

Aldama played well in the team’s first preseason game against Milwaukee, too. He logged 13 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks in 29 minutes of action in the preseason opener.

After two really solid outings in a row, Aldama has shown he has what it takes to be a starter and it’s likely his job to lose at this point. He’s reportedly put in a ton of work during the offseason, some of which was aided by teammate Ziaire Williams while visiting his home country of Spain.

So far, Aldama is outperforming all of the other options Jenkins mentioned as possible starters during the team’s Media Day. Aldama has a lot of the same skills as Jackson Jr., (albeit not as advanced), but it’s a nice fit for what this team does and needs while Jackson is out. The three-point shooting, the ability to block shots in the paint and catch lobs from his teammates at the basket make this a likely seamless fit for the team moving forward.