By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Santi Aldama is stepping into a new chapter with the Dallas Mavericks, carrying the excitement of a fresh start and the responsibility of helping a fellow countryman adjust to the NBA.
The move marks a big shift. He spent his first five years in the league with the Memphis Grizzlies, appearing in 288 games. Now, as he finds his footing in Dallas, a familiar face from home is making the adjustment easier.
Speaking at Friday’s preseason media day, the 25-year-old forward opened up about his transition to Dallas, his recovery from a knee injury, and his new role as a mentor.
Spanish connection
The Mavericks recently added rookie guard Sergio de Larrea from EuroLeague’s Valencia, giving Aldama an unexpected big-brother role. Entering his sixth year in the NBA, the veteran forward wants to guide his longtime friend through the grueling demands of a rookie season.
“It’s special,” he said when asked about sharing an NBA locker room with a teammate on the senior national team of Spain. “Being from Spain, you don’t really get to play with a lot of Spanish people. Sergio, obviously, I played with him. He’s my friend, so that adds even more to it.”
While the transition from Europe is always tough, Aldama believes the 20-year-old combo guard is mature enough to handle it.
“I’m just trying to help him out in any way I can,” he added. “He’s a pro. I know he got it figured out. Super exciting, I think, for both of us, to be able to be in the NBA together at the same time. That’s rare, and we’re excited.”
De Larrea’s NBA fit
Beyond their off-court bond, Aldama is genuinely optimistic about what De Larrea brings to the floor. As an oversized playmaker, the rookie presents a unique style that could flourish with NBA spacing.
“He’s a super tall guard that’s pass-first,” he explained. “You don’t see many pass-first guards that are that tall, super good court vision and is always willing to do what it takes to help the team.”
The Las Palmas native believes that the structural differences will actually unlock De Larrea’s passing instincts.
“He’s going to do it even better just because the court’s bigger, threats around the court are better,” he noted. “Just going to pick his spots and pick what teammates are open, and he’s just going to make the right read every time.”
The road to 100% fitness
While chemistry and mentorship are moving along smoothly, Aldama’s primary individual focus remains his health. An arthroscopic procedure on his right knee cut his previous campaign short after 43 games. He was highly productive before the injury, averaging 14.0 points, but the recovery also forced him to sit out the FIBA World Cup 2027 Qualifiers over the summer.
“I’m working on it,” he reflected on his long offseason rehabilitation. “It’s been a long summer in that sense, but I’m working every day, and I’m feeling better every day. So I’m excited to get back out there.”
With training camp officially starting, his exact availability for the opening days remains a fluid situation managed by the medical staff.
“I think that’s TBD more on the medical side,” Aldama clarified when asked if he would be a full participant from day one. “I’m feeling better every day. I’m doing a bunch of stuff on the court right now, so yeah, just excited to get there every day, get better every day, and then, you know, be at 100% as soon as possible.”
The Mavericks are scheduled to travel to Macao for two international preseason games against the Houston Rockets. After that, they return to the American Airlines Center to host the New Orleans Pelicans and the Rockets. Dallas will officially open its 2026–27 Regular Season on October 21 on the road against Houston at the Toyota Center.
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