Santi Aldama's status for Mavericks' opener still up in the air
WhyNBA Sports Desk · Oct 18, 2026
The story
The Dallas Mavericks are still waiting to find out whether Santi Aldama will be available for their season opener Wednesday against the Houston Rockets, according to Mike Curtis.
The story
Aldama remains without a timetable for his return following the arthroscopic procedure he underwent on his right knee in March, and head coach Dusty May said he "doesn't know yet" if the Spanish big man will be able to suit up for the opener.
The story
Expected to be a key reserve this season, Aldama's ability to space the floor and create his own shot brings a different skill set than any of the Mavericks' other big men, which could be key to unlocking different lineup looks for May.
The story
With Aldama and Dereck Lively II both dealing with lingering injuries, Dallas has explored its deep bench, leaving an open question of who secures the final big-man roster spot between veteran Dwight Powell and young shot-blocker Moussa Cisse.
Photo credit
File photo (January 2022): Santi Aldama with Memphis at Cleveland. Photo: Erik Drost / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0). Cropped and resized.
Keep reading
Read the full article for more context and the latest details.