While all the talk for the Memphis Grizzlies' potential All-Stars and and end-of-season awards recipients has centered around Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jaylen Wells, and Zach Edey (rightfully so), there is another player on the team who has entered another awards conversation. Santi Aldama has been one of the most consistent players on the team this season.
The 6'11 fourth-year combo forward from Loyola (Maryland) has made himself into a more versatile defender this season while excelling in the team's new offensive system that plays into his skillset of being a playmaker and shooter. The time he has spent on the Spanish National Team the last two summers has helped groom his game as well to help him take the next step this season.
While Santi has started 11 of the team's 25 games this season due to different injuries in the lineup, his play off the bench has begun discussions for him to garner this award at the season's end.
Sixth best odds to win Sixth Man of the Year
After ranking 14th in rebounds per game last season, the Memphis Grizzlies returned to the top five, ranking at three so far this season. Santi Aldama has been a huge factor in their return to rebounding dominance as he leads the team with 7.5 rebounds per game this season. He also led the team in rebounds last season but with a 5.8 average.
The combo forward is also shooting a career-high across the board in field goal percentage (52.5%), three-point percentage (37.5%), and free throw percentage (77.4%) while averaging a career-high in points (13.2), rebounds (7.5), assists (3.2), and steals (close to one per game). In the Grizzlies' last 11 games, which includes a 9-2 record for the team, Aldama averaged 15 points for the NBA's highest-scoring bench unit at 48.6 points per game.
While the FanDuel Sportsbook odds favor Payton Pritchard, followed by De'Andre Hunter, Amen Thompson, Buddy Hield, and Tari Eason, ahead of Santi in the Sixth Man of the Year race, he is within range to catch up if he continues his level of play. With +4000 odds, Aldama is right in line with Buddy Hield (+3000) and Tari (+3500) to make a jump into the top four of the award favorites.
Coach Taylor Jenkins has used Santi Aldama at many positions in the past, and it is paying off this season, as the flexibility was needed following the early season injuries to the wing rotation. Santi is a key component of what the Grizzlies like to do and will continue to get the opportunities that are required for him to ultimately win the Sixth Man of the Year award at season's end.