Following their playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, there was some uncertainty about Santi Aldama's future in Memphis. However, the Grizzlies signed Santi Aldama to a three-year, $52.5 million contract in the opening hours of free agency. Aldama got off to a slow start to the new season in October, but he has proven to be a reliable piece for the Grizzlies since the beginning of November.
In October, Aldama averaged 10.3 points and 8.0 rebounds, while also adding 1.5 steals and 0.7 blocks per game. His rebounding and defense were crucial, but Aldama struggled with his offensive efficiency early. Aldama shot just 43.5% from the field and 29.2% from three, well below his usual averages. However, he has seemed to turn a corner offensively this past month.
Aldama has been very reliable in November
In November, Santi Aldama is currently averaging 15.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. Most importantly, his efficiency has increased as he is shooting 48.4% from the field and 33% from three. In his last 10 games, Aldama is shooting 35.3% from three, a strong sign that he is close to shooting at his usual best levels.
Aldama currently has his best-ever assist percentage of 17.1%, while also having his lowest turnover percentage ever at 8.1%. Aldama's steal percentage (1.8%) and block percentage (2.8%) are also career highs. In an increased role, Aldama has improved in multiple areas outside of scoring. Aldama's impact has been noticeable, especially in some of the Grizzlies' recent wins.
Aldama started in both wins against the Kings and Mavericks and played at a high level. Against the Kings on November 20, Aldama scored a career-high of 29 points. He also added five rebounds, three blocks, and three assists. Aldama scored 20 points in Dallas two days later, and also had eight rebounds and four assists. However, a key development is how comfortable he looks playing alongside Zach Edey.
Edey's return has been a big boost to the whole team, but Edey and Aldama have legitimate potential as a duo. In their 60 minutes together, they have a 133.8 offensive rating and a 99.2 defensive rating, producing an impressive 34.6 net rating. Playing Aldama and Edey together more could yield great results for the Grizzlies on both ends of the court as the season progresses.
A key deciding factor for how Aldama's contract will be judged is his defensive contributions. Throughout his time in Memphis, Aldama has been an inconsistent defender despite getting better on offense every year. Aldama has shown significant growth as an on-ball defender this season, but it is something he must maintain as the team gets healthier and aims to make a playoff push.
The Grizzlies haven't gotten off to the start they hoped for, but they appear to be gaining momentum in recent days. The Grizzlies have competed better despite being shorthanded, and Santi Aldama has been a bright spot during November. The team must get healthy and make multiple rotation tweaks, but Santi Aldama could be another driving force for the Grizzlies' turnaround.