Santi Aldama Injury Update, What Happened to Santi Aldama?
by Rubaditsha
Updated Jan 23, 2024
Santi Aldama Injury Update
The Memphis Grizzlies' injury troubles persist as forward Santi Aldama exited Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors with a knee injury. After colliding with a Raptors player while driving to the basket, Aldama, who had contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and four assists, left the game due to apparent right knee soreness.
This adds to the Grizzlies' extensive injury woes, with seven players sidelined, including stars like Ja Morant and Steven Adams out for the season. Despite the challenges, Memphis led at the end of the third quarter. Aldama's absence underscores the team's struggle to maintain competitiveness amid a series of unfortunate injuries to key players.
Who is Santi Aldama?
Santiago Aldama Toledo is a Spanish basketball talent currently playing for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. His collegiate journey took place with the Loyola Greyhounds before making the leap to professional basketball. Aldama's exceptional skills earned him the title of Most Valuable Player (MVP) at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship.
Notably, he hails from a basketball-oriented family, being the son of Santiago Aldama, a former Spanish basketball player who participated as an Olympian in the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona. The younger Aldama's promising career reflects both his individual prowess and family legacy in the realm of international basketball.
Name
Santiago Aldama Toledo
Born
10 January 2001
Age
23 years old
Birthplace
Las Palmas, Spain
Listed Height
7 ft 0 in (2.13 m)
Listed Weight
215 lb (98 kg)
Santi Aldama Age
As of 2023, Santi is 23 years old. Growing up in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain, Santi Aldama's basketball journey commenced at the young age of three, inspired by his father, Santiago Aldama, and uncle, Santi Toledo, both professional players in the sport.
Despite enticing offers from major clubs like FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, Aldama chose to stay with the Canterbury Basketball Academy in Las Palmas, showcasing his commitment to his roots. His stellar performance in the 2017 Spanish Under-16 Championship, where he averaged 18.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, highlighted his emerging talent.
Notably, Aldama, influenced by basketball greats like Pau Gasol, Juan Carlos Navarro, and Kobe Bryant, stayed true to his local academy, contributing to its success against prominent clubs. In 2018, he made a temporary move to the FC Barcelona under-18 team, displaying his skills in the Adidas Next Generation tournament.
Santi Aldama Career
Santi Aldama embarked on his professional basketball journey after being selected as the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft by the Utah Jazz, subsequently traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Grizzlies officially signed Aldama on August 8, 2021.
Notably, he made a significant impact during the 2021-2022 season, achieving a season-high performance with 18 points, ten rebounds, three assists, a steal, and a block in a decisive 152–79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 2, 2021. Aldama continued to shine in the 2022 NBA Summer League, earning a spot on the All-NBA Summer League Second Team.
His notable contributions led to him being named the Grizzlies' starting power forward at the onset of the 2022–23 season, where he marked his first career start with a double-double of 18 points and eleven rebounds in an overtime win against the New York Knicks.
On February 2, 2023, Aldama set a career-high with 21 points and ten rebounds in a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers. In addition to his professional success, Aldama has also made impactful contributions to the Spanish national team, earning the tournament MVP title at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship.
What Happened to Santi Aldama?
Santi Aldama of the Memphis Grizzlies encountered a setback during Monday's game against the Toronto Raptors, exiting with an apparent knee injury after colliding with an opponent. The Grizzlies confirmed he would miss the remainder of the game due to right knee soreness.
This injury compounds the team's existing challenges, as they are already dealing with the absence of seven players, including key contributors like Ja Morant and Steven Adams, who are out for the season. Aldama's departure is a significant blow, considering his notable contributions, averaging 10.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game this season. Despite these setbacks, the Grizzlies maintained a lead against the Raptors at the end of the third quarter.
Santi Aldama Injury Update - FAQs
Santi Aldama left the game due to a knee injury after colliding with a Raptors player while driving to the basket, resulting in apparent right knee soreness.
The Grizzlies announced he would miss the rest of the game, indicating the seriousness of Aldama's injury and its immediate impact on his participation.
The Grizzlies are dealing with an injury crisis, with seven players, including key figures like Ja Morant and Steven Adams, already out for the season.
Aldama earned the MVP title at the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship and has made impactful contributions to the Memphis Grizzlies, including a season-high 18 points and ten rebounds in a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Aldama started playing basketball at the age of three, inspired by his father and uncle who were professional players. Despite offers from major clubs, he chose to stay with the Canterbury Basketball Academy in Las Palmas, showcasing his commitment to his roots and local development.