Santi Aldama: A
25.2 MPG, 12.2 PPG (57.5% FG, 40% 3PT, 81.8% FT), 7.2 RPG, 1.8 APG, 0.4 SPG, 1.2 BPG, 1.4 TOV
This preseason was huge for Santi Aldama. He needed to show that he belonged in the rotation, and he did just that. He showed his ability to space the floor, rebound the basketball, and his defensive activity was great as well. His productive play more than likely earned him a starting spot while Jaren Jackson Jr. is out.
Steven Adams: B-
21.1 MPG, 5.8 PPG (47.4% FG, 38.5% FT), 8.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 2.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG, 3.0 TOV
Steven Adams had a decent preseason. Although there was some hype around his off-season shooting videos, he did not take a single three, indicating that he probably won’t be taking any in the regular season, either. Adams was fairly sloppy with the basketball, but most of his turnovers came from him trying to make a flashy play in preseason action. He did a good job of playing his role as always by rebounding the basketball, setting hard screens, and clearing the lane for a Ja Morant-led Grizzlies squad.
Brandon Clarke: B+
19.1 MPG, 10.4 PPG (54.3 FG%, 0.0% 3PT, 82.4% FT), 5.2 RPG, 2.0 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 0.8 TOV
Brandon Clarke’s preseason solidified himself a contract extension, as on Sunday, he signed a four-year, 52-million dollar deal to stay in Memphis. He proved that he can still be a productive basketball player without Jaren Jackson Jr. on the court and showed his ability to get to the free-throw line and knock them down efficiently.