Last Updated on April 22, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s a detailed overview of NBA player Santi Aldama:

  • Full Name: Santi Aldama
  • Nickname: Santi
  • Nationality: Spanish
  • Date of Birth: January 10, 2001
  • Hometown: Las Palmas, Canary Islands, Spain
  • Height: 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m)
  • Weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7 feet 2 inches (2.18 meters)
  • Shoe Size: Size 19 (US)
  • Shoe Brand: Nike Zoom Freak 4, Nike Kyrie Low 5
  • Jersey Number:
    • #21 – Loyola Maryland Greyhounds
    • #7 – Memphis Grizzlies
  • Position: Power Forward / Center
  • High School: Canterbury School (Florida, USA)
  • College: Loyola University Maryland
  • NBA Draft: 2021, Round 1, Pick 30 (drafted by Utah Jazz, rights traded to Memphis Grizzlies)
  • Player Archetype: Stretch Big / Connector Forward
  • Primary Offensive Role: Floor-spacing big who operates as a secondary scorer and connective passer
  • Defensive Role: Help-side rim protector and rotational team defender
  • Play Style: Skilled, perimeter-oriented big with fluid mobility, shooting touch, and passing instincts
  • Handedness / Shooting Hand: Right-handed
  • Athletic Profile: Smooth, coordinated mover with above-average agility for size; not explosive but highly functional
  • Recruiting Status: Under-the-radar international prospect; lightly recruited before Loyola Maryland
  • Draft Status Detail: Late first-round developmental upside pick; valued for versatility and shooting potential
  • Injury Status Category: Moderate Risk — has dealt with minor injuries but no major long-term setbacks
  • Career Stage: Emerging rotation player with upside
  • Comparison Style: Similar stylistically to players like stretch-oriented European bigs (e.g., Dario Šarić-type skill set)
  • Teams Played For:
    • Memphis Grizzlies (2021–present)
  • Championship Rings: 0
  • Accolades:
    • Santi Aldama’s father, Santiago Aldama Sr., is also a former basketball player who competed for Spain in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
    • College Achievements: He had an outstanding college career at Loyola Maryland, where he averaged 21.2 points and 10.1 rebounds per game in his sophomore season.
    • FIBA U18: Aldama helped lead Spain to the gold medal in the 2019 FIBA U18 European Championship, where he was named the tournament’s MVP.
  • Parents: Father (Santiago Aldama Sr., former professional basketball player), mother not widely publicized
  • Children: None
  • Siblings: He has one younger sibling, a sister named Nerea Aldama.
  • Athlete Relatives: Father played professionally in Spain

Santi Aldama’s player archetype is that of a modern stretch big who blends size with perimeter skill, functioning offensively as a floor-spacing forward capable of secondary playmaking while defensively serving as a help-side rim protector rather than a primary stopper. At nearly seven feet with a long wingspan, he relies more on coordination and feel than raw explosiveness, using his shooting touch and passing instincts to keep the offense flowing. His play style leans toward versatility — comfortable attacking closeouts, moving the ball, and operating within team structure — while continuing to develop strength and consistency on both ends.

Profile Notes & Context

  • Santi Aldama’s height with shoes is 7 feet 2 inches.
  • Santi Aldama’s playing weight is between 216 and 224 pounds.

Sources:
NBA.com — Santi Aldama Player Profile
Basketball Reference — Santi Aldama Stats
ESPN — Santi Aldama Bio