Santi Aldama’s passion for representing Spain, his native country, is well known.
Through his first four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies, Aldama has vocally expressed that, but the Memphis connections highlight it even more. Star Spanish players like Juan Carlos Navarro, Pau Gasol and Marc Gasol are among those who played with the Grizzlies, and Aldama is the latest.
Aldama is currently the only Spanish basketball player in the NBA. Spain has produced many high-level NBA players.
The FIBA EuroBasket tournament will begin on Aug. 27. Spain already played an exhibition game against France and has exhibition contests against Germany on Aug. 21 and Aug. 23.
Luka Doncic, Giannnis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic and Franz Wagner are among the top players headlining this year’s tournament.
Spain will enter the tournament as an underdog. If the Spanish team is to make a run, Aldama will play a major role in that.
Here are three things to watch from Aldama in the 2025 EuroBasket.
Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama may start to open season so he can’t get injury
Aldama is fresh off a multi-year extension, tying him to the Grizzlies for the next three seasons. He’s also part of a frontcourt that could be without its starting power forward and center at the beginning of the season.
With Zach Edey recovering from an ankle injury and Jaren Jackson Jr. from a turf toe procedure, there’s a chance that Aldama could be in the starting lineup. His experience, scoring and shooting ability are all needed in case of those absences.
Grizzlies need Santi Aldama’s growth in leadership role
Aldama’s growth on the international scene over the last three offseasons has felt like a direct correlation to his NBA improvement. Spain has put more on Aldama’s plate as a focal point, and he’s taken that confidence with him into the NBA.
Memphis lost two of its best shooters in Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard. From a volume and accuracy standpoint, Aldama is one of the players best equipped to replace that production. Aldama shot 36.8% on 3-pointers last season while making 1.8 attempts per game.
Ja Morant and Jackson are expected to take on large scoring roles. Aldama may be the best option to fill in as the team’s third-most productive scorer. He finished fourth on the Grizzlies last season, averaging 12.5 points per game.
Playing for Spain will be Aldama’s chance to thrive in a role where he’s heavily relied on to be successful.
Will Santi Aldama show he’s gotten stronger?
Aldama has said across multiple offseasons how getting stronger is a big goal for him. He showed progress last season, but physicality is still an issue.
EuroBasket games will be the first look at how Aldama’s physicality has progressed.
NBA players Jusuf Nurkic and Luka Garza are suiting up for Bosnia and Herzegovina, plus Antetokounmpo is playing for Greece. Aldama and Spain will play against both of those countries, giving him a chance to showcase his improvement.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.