Santi Aldama’s success could complicate the future of two Grizzlies players

Santi Aldama, the Spanish native who is entering his second season in the NBA and with the Memphis Grizzlies, looks to be the heavy favorite to become a starter for the team when the 2022-23 season begins Oct. 19 against the New York Knicks.

We’ve got a small enough sample size to realize that Santi Aldama is likely going to be the player Memphis Grizzlies Head Coach Taylor Jenkins selects to start in place of Jaren Jackson Jr.

Aldama, 21, has gotten the starting nod in each preseason contest, suggesting it’s his job to lose— and rightfully so. The 6’11” forward has played exceptionally well and looks dramatically improved from an uneventful rookie season.

Santi Aldama’s glow-up may spell bad news for two Memphis Grizzlies players

Aldama is coming off a season in which he recorded a modest 4.1 points per game and 2.7 rebounds per game in 32 appearances last season. There were few instances outside of garbage time we got to see Aldama compete with the main rotation players.

But Aldama spent all offseason putting in work. He reportedly worked on every part of his game and was able to go back home to Spain to recharge the batteries and spend time with his family. Through the first three preseason games of the season, it’s evident Aldama has taken a leap forward in his game, especially when it comes to having confidence in himself.

Aldama finished with 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists in the preseason opener. He followed that up with 21 points and 6 rebounds in game two of the preseason— a game in which he was able to start alongside Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams. In the third game (and his third consecutive start), he finished with an efficient 11 points and 6 rebounds.

Aldama’s sudden and meteoric rise into the starting lineup could spell some trouble for two current Grizzlies players. Let’s take a look at those two players.