Santi Aldama got rewarded with a new three-year, $52.5 million contract this offseason before entering restricted free agency. His value was the highest it has been throughout his four-year career after averaging career-highs in points (12.5), rebounds (6.4), assists (2.9), field goal percentage (38.3%), and three-point percentage (36.8%).
However, before Santi Aldama was re-signed by the Memphis Grizzlies, one of his closest friends on the team was traded, in shooting guard Desmond Bane. That trade alone puts more pressure on Aldama to step up for a team that will need to replace his near 20 points-per-game scoring average. Aldama led the team in bench scoring last season, but his improvement in another area could increase his role to one that is starter-level.
Can Santi take a leap defensively?
The Grizzlies have prioritized bringing aggressive and tough-minded defensive players to the team this offseason. They acquired, upgraded, and drafted players such as Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cam Spencer, Cedric Coward, Javon Small, Jahmai Mashack, and Jock Landale to increase their defensive intensity after faltering down the stretch of last season.
Santi Aldama was specifically targeted in their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, as they used pick-and-roll settings to get him to switch onto the perimeter. Aldama has never been known for his defensive abilities, but he made strides last season in his effort. However, his shortcomings on that end have been what have kept him from securing a starting role for the team.
His rebounding has improved enough every year to consider starting the 7-footer next to Jaren Jackson Jr. in the front court, and his perimeter game as a shooter and playmaker has been good enough for him to start at small forward at various stints last season, to good results. With the Grizzlies needing a solid long-term starter at small forward, why can't Aldama be considered?
His value off the bench has been important for the team, but with players like Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and GG Jackson who could shoulder the scoring load off the bench, Santi could clamor for a starting position by season's end. It all boils down to an increase in his defensive intensity to not be such a negative on that end.
Santi Aldama has a unique skillset for his size that could pay dividends for the Grizzlies in critical moments of the season. He has one last step to take to be proven trustworthy in those crucial moments, and his contract extension instills belief in him to make it happen.