MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The Memphis Grizzlies begin NBA Summer League play on Monday in Salt Lake City. One player who won't be there is forward Santi Aldama who has been over in Europe helping his home country of Spain qualify for the 2024 Summer Paris Olympics.
On Sunday Aldama flung the basketball in the air after Spain beat the Bahamas 86-78 in the final of qualifiers to lock up a spot at the Olympics.
Aldama scored 12 points and 7 rebounds in the win and was one of Spain's best players all tournament leading the team in rebounds per game with 8 and finishing second in points per game with 17. Aldama scored a total of 68 points across the four games, had just 4 turnovers and shot at 58.1% from the floor.
Aldama's efforts also saw him named to the all-star tournament team which consisted of the five best players from all teams that competed at the qualifiers in Valencia.
The Spaniard didn't play in the final seven games of the season for the Grizzlies with a right foot strain, but he has looked more than comfortable on the court with the Spanish National Team.
Spain will be in Group A at the Olympics with Australia, Canada and Greece. The Olympics begin on July 26 and basketball group play begins on the 27th.
