Just one day before their 2023-2024 NBA season opener, the Memphis Grizzlies announced they will be without another key frontcourt player for at least one game.
The Grizzlies announced third-year forward Santi Aldama, who was primed to step into the role of starting big man after Steven Adams' season-ending knee surgery, will be out for at least the season opener against the New Orleans Pelicans after spraining his ankle in practice.
The team said Aldama is officially listed day-to-day.
The injury adds to the growing list of front court talent missing from the Grizzlies. Forward Brandon Clarke will miss at least half of the season after tearing his Achilles tendon in March, and center Steven Adams will miss the entire 2023-2024 season to repair his PCL. Star point guard Ja Morant, himself a leading rebounder for the Grizzlies, is out 25 games serving a suspension.
Aldama had a solid second season for the Grizzlies, averaging nine points and 4.8 rebounds while averaging 21 minutes over 77 games in 2022-2023, a significant improvement in playing time from his rookie season.
He was the Grizzlies' second pick of the 2021 NBA draft, going 30th overall.
