Santi Aldama works at Mavericks shootaround, still awaiting preseason debut after knee procedure

Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama was doing calf raises at Wednesday morning’s shootaround as the team prepared for its preseason home opener against New Orleans, Ron Harrod Jr. reported. Aldama has not played in either preseason game since Dallas acquired him from Memphis in July, as he works back from a right knee procedure.

Another update: Mavericks’ Santi Aldama was doing calf raises at shootaround.

He has not played in preseason after undergoing a right knee procedure in the offseason. https://t.co/xsalsxjNiK pic.twitter.com/pXkw6oieXS

— Ron Harrod Jr. (@RonKnowsSports) October 14, 2026

The shootaround work is a small sign of activity, not a return date. The Mavericks have not said when Aldama will be cleared to make his Dallas debut, and their official status for the Pelicans game had not been posted as of Wednesday morning.

Where Aldama’s knee stands

Aldama had an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee on March 17 while with the Grizzlies, a procedure that included an orthobiologic injection to address discomfort, Dallas Sports Journal reported. It ended his 2025-26 season; he had not played since a Feb. 4 game against Sacramento.

He has been limited since camp opened. Coach Dusty May said the medical staff tells the coaches each day who can go. “He is working out. It’s not as if he’s out-out. There are some limitations on that,” May said. Aldama said at media day that he was “working every day and feeling better every day.”

Dallas listed him out for both games in Macao with a right knee surgery designation, according to Mavs PR. In 278 regular-season games, the 2021 first-round pick has averaged 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists, RotoWire noted.

Sasser and Lively also working back

Guard Marcus Sasser, who sat both Macao games with left adductor soreness, was also on the floor at shootaround, working on contested jumpers on the move alongside Tarik Biberovic in clips from the session. Sasser and Aldama have yet to appear in a preseason game.

Center Dereck Lively II remains the longest-term question. He had surgery on his right foot in December after playing just seven regular-season games in 2025-26, and he had not been cleared for training camp as of Oct. 9, according to reports. May said before the second Macao game that Lively is “moving well” and doing work on the court, but has a return-to-play protocol to finish, Dallas Sports Journal reported. Lively is eligible for a rookie scale extension until Oct. 19, Hoops Rumors noted.

Rookie Morez Johnson Jr., rested in the second Macao game, was working on a stationary bike at shootaround, Harrod reported. With opening night six days away, Dallas is running short on preseason time to get those players back on the floor.

WhyNBA Sports Desk

The WhyNBA Sports Desk writes basketball explainers and dated news briefs. Official references stay with each guide.