« Back when we were talking about our upcoming changes to our offensive philosophy, he was one of the first guys we thought about. » Taylor Jenkins and his team wondered how to better exploit the potential of Saints Aldama.
Arriving in the league in 2021, after being drafted in 30th position, the Spaniard has displayed constantly increasing production since his debut. This year again, he seems to have reached a milestone.
« Because he has this ability to project himself forward, we see him on dunks after a lob, he sprints to get 3-point shots, he can get the ball up in transition. The way he moves without the ball, it generates this confidence at 3-points. He is skillful », Lists the coach after last night's victory against the Hawks.
As skillful as ever. His 51% success rate is a career record, as are his 38% from 3-point range and 79% from free throws. Six times this season, he has passed the 20-point mark, including his career best of 28 points.
Only career records
« He sneaks up to grab rebounds, he's one of our best rebounders », Continues his coach, even talking about his best man in this area. His 7 catches per game are also a personal best. “ On defense, I always challenge him to be more physical. And even in attack, because it fits his game “, says Taylor Jenkins again.
The latter believes that the 23-year-old player has continued to seize opportunities to shine since his arrival in the Big League. “ And then you send him to the national team where he has played for the last two summers. I think last summer was a big boost for him », he judges, rightly because his player has changed dimensions with La Roja.
« He matures physically and mentally. His game is also evolving and we hope that the system frees him up a little more », aims the coach, questioned about the race for the best 6th man trophy in which his player is placed. “ We hope he will be recognized for that, but he knows he still has a lot of work to do. But I like the boost he gives us when he comes off the bench », already appreciates the coach.
| Saints Aldama | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saison | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | To | Pd | Fte | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2021-22 | MEM | 32 | 11 | 40.2 | 12.5 | 62.5 | 1.0 | 1.7 | 2.7 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 0.3 | 4.1 |
| 2022-23 | MEM | 77 | 22 | 47.0 | 35.3 | 75.0 | 1.1 | 3.7 | 4.8 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 0.6 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 9.0 |
| 2023-24 | MEM | 61 | 27 | 43.5 | 34.9 | 62.1 | 1.2 | 4.6 | 5.8 | 2.3 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 10.7 |
| 2024-25 | MEM | 29 | 26 | 50.8 | 38.3 | 78.6 | 1.6 | 5.9 | 7.4 | 3.1 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 13.4 |
| Total | 199 | 22 | 45.9 | 34.2 | 70.5 | 1.2 | 4.0 | 5.2 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 9.4 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
