Santi Aldama was the center of attention after a clip of a Memphis Grizzlies assistant coach looking strangely at the forward went viral on social media. The incident occurred during the team’s 107-100 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers at FedEx Forum on Saturday.
The first quarter saw Aldama lace up his shoes near the baseline. One of the assistant coaches on the bench had an awkward look at the player, who was unaware of all this. However, fans weren’t and were quick to latch onto it.
“Did that man lick his lips?” one tweeted.
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Another even called him evil.
“OH NAH???????????????????? THIS IS THE MOST EVIL THING I’VE EVER SEEN”
The responses followed shortly after:
Game-wise, Aldama had a blast with 21 points, eight rebounds and three assists.
Vince Williams Jr. also contributed 21 points coupled with eight rebounds. Beginner G.G. Jackson II came off the bench to lose 17 points. However, it wasn’t enough to overtake the Blazers, who benefited from Anfernee Simons’ 30-point performance.
Santi Aldama has had a good run this season
As the Memphis Grizzlies endure a forgettable, injury-riddled season, there aren’t many positives to focus on. But those who have followed Santi Aldama will be delighted to see the striker have some good outings this season.
With Jaren Jackson Jr. out with a quad injury, Aldama finds himself back in the lineup and has been a good contributor on both ends. In his third season in the league, the Spaniard is averaging 10.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists – his best league figures in the last two seasons.
His shooting stroke and size make him a difficult opponent for traditional power forwards. Saldama is known for his court vision and quick decision-making that allows him to facilitate ball movement and create more open looks for his teammates.
Once the season ends for the Grizzlies, who will miss out on a playoff spot, the focus will be on giving the role players plenty of time on the court, so they can be a more cohesive unit when Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart and Ja Morant return to the fold.
Next, Santi Aldama and the Grizzlies face the Brooklyn Nets and the Philadelphia 76ers.
