Memphis Grizzlies Assign Santi Aldama to G League
The forward joins the Texas Legends to continue his recovery from a season-ending knee injury.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Basketball
The Memphis Grizzlies have assigned forward Santi Aldama to the Texas Legends of the G League. This move is part of the team's official return-to-play protocol following the knee injury that sidelined Aldama in mid-March.
Why it matters
The assignment allows Aldama to participate in team practices in a controlled environment to ensure he is physically ready for NBA competition. This step is critical for his rehabilitation after his 2025-26 season ended prematurely.
Aldama recorded 6.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 three-pointers per game while shooting 47.9% from the field during the 2025-26 season. He was originally selected as the 30th overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft.
The players
Santi Aldama
He is an NBA forward who was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies as the 30th overall pick in 2021.
Memphis Grizzlies
This is a professional basketball team competing in the Western Conference of the NBA.
Texas Legends
This is the G League affiliate team that serves as a developmental and rehabilitation hub for players.
The details
Aldama is using the G League assignment to undergo intensive training sessions with the Texas Legends to test his knee stability. He must complete this phase before medical staff clears him to resume playing for the Grizzlies.
Timeline
Santi Aldama was selected 30th overall in the 2021 NBA draft.
A knee injury ended Santi Aldama's 2025-26 season in mid-March 2026.
The Memphis Grizzlies assigned Santi Aldama to the Texas Legends on October 27, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This assignment follows the NBA return-to-play protocol, which governs how players are reintegrated into full competition after major injuries. Utilizing the G League for injury rehabilitation is a standard practice used by franchises to preserve roster health for a playoff push.
Aldama is currently unavailable for Memphis Grizzlies games until he completes his rehabilitation assignment. Fantasy basketball owners should monitor his practice participation levels for updates on his return to the active rotation.
The takeaway
Utilizing developmental leagues for injury rehabilitation allows athletes to regain match fitness without the immediate pressure of an NBA game. This methodical approach is designed to minimize the risk of re-injury as players return to high-intensity competition.
Further reading
For more updates on local player rosters, visit the Memphis Basketball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
