When the Memphis Grizzlies re-signed Santi Aldama to a $52.5 million contract, a degree of unfamiliarity shrouded the conversation. Aldama is by no means a household name, and at an annual rate of $17.5 million per season, many expected a player with well-documented value.
Memphis knew exactly what it was paying for, however, and despite its early-season struggles, Aldama is delivering on their investment.
Aldama, 24, has quietly evolved into one of the most well-rounded players on the Grizzlies' roster. He can score at all three levels, is a willing and capable passer, can create second chances, and has even shown signs of improvement as a defensive playmaker.
That's manifested early in 2025-26 with averages of 13.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1.5 offensive boards, 1.0 steal, 0.7 blocks, and 1.6 three-point field goals made in 26.2 minutes per game.
Aldama has admittedly struggled to space the floor in the manner expected of him, as he's shooting just 32.9 percent from beyond the arc. That's down from his 2024-25 figure of 36.8 percent, which certainly reveals that there's still work to be done.
True to underrated form, the reason that figure is being referenced is the simple fact that a slow start has somehow overshadowed an excellent recovery.
Santi Aldama has been a bright spot during dark times for the Grizzlies
Aldama has turned things up a notch since the calendar flipped from October to November. Since Nov. 1, he's averaging 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.1 offensive boards, 2.5 assists, 0.7 blocks, 0.7 steals, and 1.8 three-point field goals made in 27.5 minutes per game on .500/.345/.688 shooting.
Aldama has reached an entirely new level over the past two games, when he's taken over for the Grizzlies and helped lead them to consecutive wins.
Aldama went off to the tune of 29 points in just 28 minutes during the Grizzlies' 137-96 drubbing of the Sacramento Kings. He shot 11-of-18 from the field, 5-of-11 from beyond the arc, and 2-of-3 at the free throw line in an efficiently explosive showing that helped snap a five-game losing streak.
Aldama also tallied five rebounds, three assists, and two blocks in the type of performance that many outside of Memphis likely weren't aware he was capable of.
To prove it wasn't a fluke, Aldama led Memphis in scoring for a second straight game when it defeated the Dallas Mavericks 102-96. He finished with 20 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two offensive boards, one block, and a steal on 9-of-17 shooting from the field and a 2-of-5 mark from distance.
In addition to leading the Grizzlies in scoring in consecutive games, he also played a game-high 35 minutes during the six-point win over the Mavericks.
Memphis' decision to prioritize his minutes was likely rooted in the unavoidable reality of how much stronger it is when he's featured. According to databallr's WOWY lineup data, Memphis is 9.0 points better when Aldama is on the court than when he isn't in 2025-26.
Aldama may not receive much recognition around the NBA, but he's actively proving that he's one of the most important players on the Grizzlies' roster and a wise offseason investment.