What Can Mavs Expect From Santi Aldama After Injury Move?

This week, the Dallas Mavericks announced that they've recalled big man Santi Aldama from a rehab stint with the G-League affiliate Texas Legends.

Aldama, whom Dallas acquired in a trade this summer, will begin ramping up his preparation for his Mavericks debut after sitting out the preseason and the first five regular-season games.

The 7-foot floor-spacer underwent knee surgery last season when he was with the Memphis Grizzlies. He was sent to Dallas as part of a six-team deal that saw the Mavs give up guard AJ Johnson, a first-round pick in 2030, and two future second-round picks.

European rookie Tarik Biberovic was also acquired by the Mavs in the trade, but he remains out with injury in the team's 3-2 start to the season.

Aldama had scrimmaged with the Legends, then was ruled as "doubtful" before not suiting up in Dallas' blowout win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Mavs coach Dusty May said Aldama is getting "much, much closer" to returning to the floor.

Aldama is coming off a season in which he averaged career bests in scoring (14.0 PPG), rebounding (6.7 RPG) and assisting (2.9 APG). He started 11 of the 43 games he played in last season, averaging a career-high 27.9 minutes a night.

Although the Mavericks have a forward-laden roster, Aldama's skillet sets him apart from the other 7-footers. His above-average 35 percent 3-point shot will allow Dallas to spread the floor unlike how it has in the past with its big men.

"Santi, obviously, being a seven-footer, could be a heck of a stretch five in a death lineup," May said earlier this offseason. "The problem is the other teams don’t put the fives on him. Do we have a group that can go punish a five elsewhere or can he punish a three man or four man, whoever they put on him?"

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Aldama will also bring a defensive presence that the Mavs' frontcourt currently lacks. Shot-blocking center Dereck Lively II remains out from his latest foot surgery.

While it remains unclear when Aldama will make his debut, he's eager for the opportunity.

"I’m working on it. It’s been a long summer in that sense," Aldama said about his recovery. "I’m working every day and feeling better every day, so I’m excited to get back out there."

Aldama's next possible debut will be Friday when the Mavericks face the Houston Rockets at home.