Santi AldamaPF | Grizzlies

Santi Aldama scores 28 points in loss to the CelticsNovember 20, 2023 | 08:23 PM

Santi Aldama totaled 28 points (11-27 FG, 6-15 3PT, 6-7 FT), twelve rebounds, six assists, and two steals in the Grizzlies 102-100 loss to the Celtics. Writer's Analysis: Aldama scored 28.0 points in the Grizzlies' loss to the Celtics while on his way to double-doubling in his second consecutive game. Listen, this level of production could be the real deal. This explosion of consistent production could seem like an overnight trend; however, I beg to differ. We have seen what Aldama could do throughout his young career, and he has shown the right signs that all point to his early season success being the real deal. It is still early, but if he is available in your league, it could be worth rostering him for a week or two to see this thing through. His level of play tracks with what he put on the floor in his two years at Loyola University Maryland, where he ended his career averaging 33.3 minutes, 19.0 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 49.5 percent from the floor and 30.6 percent from beyond the arc. Yeah, that's the real deal. With that being said, the Grizzlies are a team looking to get some consistency right now, with them having to deal with so many injuries. Aldama's path to relevance was born out of circumstance, and it has paid off, but will it stick? There still may be growing and adjustment pains, especially as he looks to continue proving himself as a legit contributor to the roster. This transition could lead to some underwhelming nights, but should the team commit to him, he should see more better days than not. Aldama is no longer a simple streaming asset, especially after this performance; rostering him in season-long leagues could be a good move to make. With regard to daily? His pricing will probably be all over the place until it normalizes, so now may be the best time to deploy him in daily formats without an ultra-inflated price point. He has a usage rate of 23.8 percent, a plus-minus of 1.9, and is averaging 25.7 minutes, 14.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game while shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from beyond the arc.