The NBA He has always shown a predilection for Spanish players. “I have played against their national team for many years and they only produce players with a lot of intelligence on the court,” LeBron James stated in 2018. Precisely, a year before those words, 11 athletes from our country came together in the best basketball league. in the world, absolute record. A panorama that has nothing to do with the current one, in which our basketball has been diminished, so much so that there is only one player and one coach born in Spain.
But many times quantity does not matter as much as quality and Santi Aldama (Gran Canaria, 23 years old) and Jordi Fernandez (Badalona, 41 years old) have used their debut in the 2024-25 season to remember that our country’s basketball still has a lot to say in the United States. The power forward had a great game with the Memphis Grizzlies, author of 27 points from the Canary Islands and most responsible for his team defeating the Utah Jazz (124-126). In addition, he was lethal in shooting, where he scored five of the ten triples he attempted.
«I think it has a lot of potential. He is starting his fourth year in the NBA and has grown a lot as a player (…). Before games I tell him that he has to be a man with a mission. He comes from having had two great summers with the Spanish team, I think that has made him gain a lot of confidence. “We will continue to challenge him so that his impact on our team continues to grow,” he said. Taylor JenkinsGrizzlies coach, after the victory.
Words that clash with Aldama’s contractual situation. Last summer, Tennessee had the option to extend his contract for two years. However, they declined this option and have pushed him to the lions because Aldama He has this campaign to earn a renewal or to leave the franchise as a free agent. What is certain is that if it is not with the Grizzlies, he will have offers to continue in the NBA.
While, Fernandez He made history on his first day in office. He became the first Spanish coach to direct an NBA game as head coach, although his Brooklyn Nets lost in a tight duel against the Atlanta Hawks (120-116). The Catalan had already coached the Sacramento Kings in a game two seasons ago, but it was due to his superior, Mike Brown, being expelled. Now, he’s the boss.
«It was very special, very special for my wife, for my children, for my parents, for everyone who has been with me on this journey. “I am extremely honored and proud to be where I am and very proud of my players, because they played really hard,” he explained. Fernandez at a press conference.
History tells us that Spanish basketball in the NBA is in transition and, in the coming years, everything indicates that promises like Juan Nunez (Barcelona), Hugo Gonzalez (Real Madrid), Aday Mara (UCLA), Izan Almansa (Perth Wildcats) and Baba Miller (Florida Atlantic) will disembark in the competition. But while the talent flourishes, it is Aldama and Fernández who are responsible for keeping the Spanish flame alive in the NBA.
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