When in optimal health, the Memphis Grizzlies have demonstrated the possession of one of the finest collections of talent in the game.

Taylor Jenkins' roster has significantly expanded in depth over the previous several years, with veteran All-Stars such as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant, among emerging talents like GG Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.

Nonetheless, overshadowed by the players mentioned above, third-year center Santi Aldama, notable for his considerable stature—7 feet, 215 pounds—versatile skill set, and ability to adapt to various positions, has established himself as a reliable component of Memphis' primary rotation.

Despite his lack of minutes per game during his NBA career, Aldama's productivity has seen excellent numbers, and he’s often undervalued to the point where he could be considered the most underrated players in the league today.

Slim Spain fighting for his place in Memphis

Aldama, recognized for his shooting proficiency—having converted 36.1 percent of his catch-and-shoot three-pointers and 38.2 percent of his uncontested attempts—along with his discreet rim-protecting capabilities exhibited last season, is regarded as an "understatedly versatile" tweener big. He enhances the Grizzlies' rotation as a premium luxury contributor.

During the previous season, Aldama achieved many career-high statistics, including points (10.7), rebounds (5.8), assists (2.3), and blocks (0.9), while also maintaining a favorable defensive plus-minus rating.

Regrettably, for him, other bigs on the roster diminished part of Aldama's playing time last season, which was unfortunate, until injuries enabled the 23-year-old to assume a greater role and genuinely excel in 2024.

Aldama’s year-by-year growth

Aldama's progression as a rim protection aide has been incremental. In the last three seasons, he has consistently enhanced his playing time and performance, especially in defense.

During the 2023-24 season, Aldama had career highs of 1.1 blocks and 4.6 rebounds per game, demonstrating his proficiency in efficient rotation and assistance defense during pivotal times.

His defensive acumen and reach enable him to challenge shots at the rim and impede drives, complicating opponents' attempts to score in the paint. Given the prevalence of aggressive drivers in the contemporary NBA, his function as an aide is important to the Grizzlies.

Based on sportsbook odds alone, we can already recognize Aldama’s presence in the 2024-25 season.

Aldana Props at the sportsbook

After bettors claim betting welcome bonuses with the top sportsbooks, upon inspection of the NBA player prop odds in specific categories: blocks, steals, and points, Aldana’s price point has dramatically shifted, despite his position on the roster not yet evolving to a full-time starter.

These signs might very well be small from a broader perspective, but they’re undeniably signs of his growth, especially the confidence critics and oddsmakers have in his potential.

Aldama Standout Performances This Season

Since joining the Grizzlies in 2021, Aldama has rarely failed to impress, but throughout the 2024/25 season thus far, he’s undoubtedly proven himself as a potential full-time starter.

Replacing Jackson Jr. in style

During the final week of October, Aldama assumed the role of power forward, as Jaren Jackson Jr. was unable to play due to a hamstring injury. He led the team in points, finishing with 27 (10-of-16 FGs), five rebounds, five 3-pointers in 31 minutes, and two assists.Following his commanding performance against the Jazz, Aldama was among the most sought-after choices on the waiver wire.

Aldama consistently steps up when he’s needed the most

Santi Aldama has answered the call when the Memphis Grizzlies required him most at the commencement of the 2024-25 season.

Due to Jaren Jackson Jr.'s hamstring difficulties, which caused him to miss the initial two games of the season, Santi thrived by embracing the heightened responsibility assigned by head coach Taylor Jenkins to occupy the starting position of the Grizzlies' star big man.

The Spanish superstar excelled as the team's second-unit reserve after JJJ's eventual comeback.

In the last two months, Aldama has captivated observers with his comprehensive skills, particularly on the offensive front. Despite the limited sample size, Santi is achieving career highs in points, field goal percentage, rebounds, minutes played, and assists.

Triple-Double Territory

Aldama toyed with a triple-double off of the bench for the Grizzlies last weekend, collecting 10 rebounds, handing out five assists, and throwing in 10 points (4-10 FG, 1-4 3PT, 1-2 FT) while also earning two steals in a 142-131 win against the Bulls.

Aldama has recently maintained consistent performance on both ends of the court, achieving a minimum of six rebounds and 10 points in the past three games. The 23-year-old has displayed the capacity for explosive performance on the court at times, recording an average of 12.7 points and 7.3 rebounds per game to go alongside a usage rate of 18.0% this season thus far.

Is Aldama a Future Grizzlies Starter?

Santi has performed exceptionally well, leading to speculation that he may soon secure a position in the Grizzlies' starting lineup. He has commenced five of the team's last seven matches, although the continuation of Aldama's trend as a starter is still to be determined.

The Grizzlies must evaluate the optimal lineup modification that will enhance their chances of victory and establish a competitive atmosphere in this nascent NBA season while Aldama is capitalizing on the opportunities presented to him.