Santi Aldama Embracing the Grind as Grizzlies Navigate Frontcourt Injuries
Santi Aldama didn’t expect to spend this much time at the five when he inked a new three-year deal with the Grizzlies over the summer. But with Memphis’ frontcourt taking hit after hit - Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke both sidelined for extended stretches - Aldama has found himself stepping into a role that’s been as challenging as it is necessary.
“It’s not easy,” Aldama admitted, reflecting on the shift. “But the group needed me to do it.”
That’s been the theme in Memphis this season - adjust, adapt, survive. And Aldama’s been right in the middle of it, literally.
A natural four, he’s been asked to hold down the paint more often than he anticipated. But with Jaren Jackson Jr. by his side, the transition has been manageable - even if it’s been a grind.
“I’ve been with Jaren my whole life,” Aldama said. “I’ve played the four, he’s played the five. Now we’ve kind of switched it up.”
It’s not just about positional designations - it’s about rhythm, spacing, and responsibilities. Playing the five means more time setting screens, working from the middle of the floor, and less time trailing in transition. It’s a different lens, and Aldama’s had to adjust his instincts accordingly.
“The challenge is mainly with the way we run the floor,” he explained. “As a five, you’re more in the middle of the court and trying to set some screens and find maybe a pop, a roll or a cut to get the corners open. As a four, you’re more playing off closeouts.”
But Aldama hasn’t had to figure it all out alone. He pointed to Ja Morant as a key voice in helping him settle into the role - even as Morant himself has been navigating his own return from injury and off-court storylines.
“I’ve been talking to Ja. He’s been great for us there,” Aldama said.
“Obviously, my advantage is different than his. But he understands the spacing.”
That mutual understanding has been vital for a team that’s had to shuffle lineups and roles on a nightly basis. Aldama, now one of the more seasoned voices in the locker room, has embraced the leadership mantle that comes with that.
“It’s about having honest conversations and seeing where I can help the group at all times,” he said. “With being one of the most veteran guys on the team and having been here as one of the longest, it’s important for me to be that voice and constant amid the chaos.”
Injury Updates: Morant, Clarke, Spencer, Edey
The Grizzlies’ injury report continues to be a revolving door. After being listed as questionable earlier in the week, Ja Morant has now been downgraded to doubtful for Wednesday’s game against Minnesota due to a left ankle sprain. The injury occurred in just his second game back from a calf strain, adding another frustrating layer to Morant’s stop-and-start season.
There is, however, a glimmer of good news on the horizon. Brandon Clarke - who hasn’t played a minute this season following right knee surgery - has been upgraded to questionable.
If he suits up Wednesday, it would mark his first action in months. Clarke’s return would be a welcome boost for a frontcourt that’s been stretched thin.
Cam Spencer, meanwhile, will miss Wednesday’s game for personal reasons. The rookie guard has been a revelation over the past few weeks, averaging 16.9 points and 5.2 assists while shooting a scorching 63.6% from deep in his last 10 games. His absence will be felt, especially with Morant likely sidelined.
As for Zach Edey, the towering rookie remains out with a stress reaction in his ankle. While it’s not a recurrence of the injury he had surgery on over the summer - that procedure targeted soft tissue and ligaments - the current issue involves the bone itself.
According to orthopedic specialists, the injury likely stems from ramping up too quickly during rehab. The good news?
It’s not expected to be a long-term concern, provided he responds well to rest and a more gradual return.
“If he recovers and gets back to play, then I don’t think it’s an issue,” said Dr. Kenneth Jung, an orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon.
The Bottom Line
Memphis is in survival mode - patching together rotations, leaning on veterans like Aldama to steady the ship, and hoping for timely returns from key contributors. Through it all, Aldama’s willingness to sacrifice comfort for the greater good has been emblematic of a Grizzlies team still trying to find its footing in a season full of pivots.