The Memphis Grizzlies have one of the strongest groups of big men in the entire NBA. Heading into the season, they already knew that their versatility would be a strength, as they have the personnel to play several different styles. A fifth of the way through the 2024-25 season, and they’ve already demonstrated that.
At the beginning of the season, 7-foot-4 center Zach Edey was the team’s starting center. The initial 2024-25 Rookie of the Year favorite, Edey’s blend of size and low-post skill has had people wondering how so many overthought his capabilities at the NBA level. However, early on, Edey’s had a tendency to get in foul trouble. That’s not an uncommon occurrence for young players or centers and Edey happens to be both.
Because of these issues though, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has thrown several bigs into the fire.
Grizzlies Big Man Santi Aldama Hopes To Stay ‘For Many More Years’
Initially, 6-foot-11 forward-center Santi Aldama was the biggest benefactor of Edey’s growing pains. With how well he played in the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments and then the Paris Olympics, he was probably always likely to get the first shot to step up. However, because he and the Grizzlies failed to reach a rookie scale contract extension, it left doubt about whether he would be in Memphis for the long haul.
This season, Aldama’s averaged a career-high 27.6 minutes per game and started in 11 contests. Interestingly, his production doesn’t really change much whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. Nonetheless, he’s averaging career-highs in points (12.5), rebounds (7.7), and assists (3.3).
DON SANTI ALDAMA ante los BUCKS 😤💙
🐻19 puntos
🐻9 rebotes
🐻2 asistencias
🐻1 recuperación#Halloween x @santialdama pic.twitter.com/nheIm1BBMX— NBASpain (@NBAspain) November 1, 2024
The 30th pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Aldama was manifesting his worth long before now. Yet, he’s not only still improving but given himself a high bar to clear. Indeed, in an interview with Marca’s Nacho Duque, he says he’s “very far from where (he feels he) would like to be.”
That being said, Aldama hopes that he can continue growing in Memphis. Not just this season, but far beyond it:
“Memphis is my home. I feel like we have a very good relationship, and I hope it lasts for many more years.”
He doesn’t have “certainty” that he’ll be with the Grizzlies past this season, and he recognizes that being a contract year “can be a double-edged sword.” “…You have that extra motivation to do better, but I think that in the end you can also fall into a somewhat selfish spiral,” he says. However, there are more reasons to hold onto Aldama than not, if the price is right.
Their Best (Backup?) Center
Currently, 6-foot-8 veteran Brandon Clarke is the team’s starting center.
His experience and mobility are useful the defensive end. His ball-movement helps the team play with pace and flow. It also makes it easier for franchise cornerstone Jaren Jackson Jr. to play his natural hybrid role as a forward-center.
Yet, there are few areas in which Clarke is superior to Edey as a player, especially rim-protection. His lack of size and often forgettable impact on boards can also put the Grizzlies at a disadvantage. On top of that, he’s a mediocre three-point threat, shooting just 6.3 percent from downtown this season.
So, Memphis’s choice to start him rather than emphasize quicker decisions from Edey is kind of a head-scratching move in a vacuum. With that being said, Aldama has a better case to be part of the Grizzlies’ 1-2 punch at center. Though not an elite shot-blocker, he’s a strong rebounder and capable three-point threat. He’s also been a solid playmaker.
Jenkins has played Aldama all over the frontcourt and should continue to do so. Yet, no player on the roster makes as much sense to be Edey’s backup (or Edey his).
