its start Sandy Aldama the 2022-2023 season could not have been better. Ahead of him was the challenge of not only proving his worth as an NBA player, but also justifying the coaching staff’s trust as his natural replacement. Jaren Jackson Jr.. The canary has responded in the best possible way. With 11.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 41.4% accuracy On the field, the power forward has been at his best offensively given the Memphis Grizzlies’ framework.
Nonetheless, it’s on defense where it’s really worth stopping. Aldama performed in the first three games at an amazing defensive level given the conditions. With 1.3 blocks, 0.7 steals and 1.3 diversions, the Spaniard has proven he is up to the challenge. Not only that, but in the long run, he could be a very important asset to the Taylor Jenkins rotation when JJJ returns.
Physical improvement to be able to do a better job was one of the key points of the canary’s training during out of season as revealed to Sporting News Spain in a recent interview. “This summer we put a lot of emphasis on the physical aspect and simplifying the game a lot, focusing on small aspects like defending or shooting.” declared. “Before I’m waiting to be crashed, now I’m the one who can initiate the contact and crash. Both on offense and penetration and initiating contact for the finish and defense when they come, and being able to when they come at me, that’s where I can get those little advantages that maybe I couldn’t before.”
That investment of work and time in the gym has paid off just in time. Aldama is now better and better prepared for the physical level that governs the NBA. His position on the field is not easy at all as soon as you need to react to an assist, engage in a direct block or switch to a small one.
The Canary has so far solved the ballot with a good grade, performing fantastically in transitions and receptions and splits (grab and ride):
| Condition | Total possessions defended | Points allowed per possession |
|---|---|---|
| Transition | eleven | 0.18 |
| Reception and filming | 9 | 1.67 |
| Reception and division | 7 | 0.57 |
| Cuts | 7 | 1.29 |
| washed away | 6 | 0.00 |
| Pick&Roll | 4 | 1.00 |
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The sample of this data is still very small, hence the difference in numbers between actions, so the best way to check their level is to go to videowho never cheats.
The reality is that the role what is he doing Sandy Aldama in defense it has to do with functions related to assists and spins. The canary is one of those responsible for protecting the rim in sections from the weak side, in such a way that thanks to his size and speed he can respond to possible attacks on the basket.
In this cutting sequence you can appreciate the attention paid by the power forward, always with an eye on the ball and a perfect position to react quickly. If this is added to the fact that he rarely commits an error during the jump in coverage, the excellent performance is explained:
And it’s that near the rim Aldama has performed fantastically for his previous NBA experience and the challenge ahead of him. But the most remarkable thing is that the further away from the rim the sensations become even better:
| Zone | defensive shots | % success |
|---|---|---|
| Restricted area | 33 of 65 | 50.8% |
| Colour | 11 of 34 | 32.4% |
| Average distance | 3 out of 18 | 16.7% |
| Triple (around the bow) | 17 of 53 | 32.1% |
| triple (angles) | 5 out of 14 | 35.7% |
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In the short time the 2022-2023 season has begun, the former Loyola standout has combined with 6 players for 8 or more defensive possessions. Of those, only Obi Toppin (1 of 2 attempts) has shot over 50%. The others have always lagged behind, either in volume or accuracy: Jabari Smith, 1 of 5; Julius Randle, 0 of 2; Dorian Finney-Smith, 0 of 1; Kenyon Martin Jr, 0 attempts. RJ Barrett, 1 of 6.
The big issue that will be resolved with Sadi Aldama for the rest of the course will be how it handles mismatches or mismatches with a small. Against the Knicks he struggled against Cam Reddys (4 for 6) and against the Rockets when paired with Jaylen Green (2 for 4). The Spaniard is much exposed to these washes, and the most skilful foreigners know how to hurt him. Even so, it has left some notable action:
The Memphis Grizzlies relied on Sandy Aldama to replace one of the Defensive Player of the Year finalists, and the canary has responded through his first three games in the best possible way given the circumstances. Now it’s just a matter of time to see if he can maintain this level over time or if his opponents will soon adjust accordingly.
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