Why Grizlies, Taylor Jenkins didn’t shock Santy Aldam NBA six man of the year

The Current Faltering Memphis Grizzlies have long been ahead of the development of young talent, this season, the third year forward Santi Aldama appears as the latest success of the organization Story. Taylor Jenkins The growth of Aldam has been emphasized several times, emphasizing its expanded role as a versatile weapon from the bench. Jenkins even made the case for a 23-year-old as a dark horse of the NBA sixth man in a candidate for year.

Jenkins took off on the development of Aldam in the entire 2023-24 campaign, attributing his jump to A combination of confidence and tactical suitability.

“I said that more or more throughout the season that (Santi Aldam) plays with a great level of trust and aggression,” Jenkini said. “His comfort and ability within our offensive system and only movement and cutting types of unlocking some of his play. It brings him to those three points of shots with a little more rhythm.”

Aldama’s defense growth is equally critical of Grizlies devastated injuries. His length and mobility allow him to keep more positions, while his improved consciousness made a reliable protector of the stabilated rim.

“(Aldama) is very rolled over to unload the bench. It can start, can finish the games, play four, play three,” Jenkins explained. “I think we only learned what can achieve there with that aggressive mentality on both sides of the floor. We will always cause it to work more.”

Aldama’s 36 minutes’ stats underline their influence: 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for elite efficiency, including 59% true recording percent (TS%) and 39% of the ARC recording on about seven attempts per game. In order for players to average only 26 minutes per competition, these numbers reflect not only productivity, but exceptional efficiency, positioning it as one of the most powerful league reserves.

Jenkins is not surprised by a significant jump. The ability of Aldam to raise the lines – whether a small ball five, stretch four or secondary players – gives flexibility Memphis flexibility several teams can match. In fact, the grizzly hugged about the development of Aldam.

“It’s a mentality from summer work,” Jenkins began. “And how (Aldama) started this season.”

Historically, the NBA Sixth Man rewards the high-scale microwave shooters. However, ALDAMA all contributions make it a unique candidate after the average of 10.7 points and 5.8 rebounds in 2023-24. Aldama became a line of the second unit of Grizzlies, up to 12.8 points, 6.7 jumps and 2,8 helps in the game at 48% shooting off the field.

Memphis will need that production more than ever Grizzlies All-Star Jaren Jaren Jarn Jr. (Ankle) is out. Fortunately, Aldam is up to the task every time Jenkins needs a Spanish star in the starting lineup.