Santi Aldama Talks Positional Changes He's Had This Season

The NBA is changing, and so are the positions on the court. Back in the day, you were a point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, or center. Nowadays, it is probably more accurate to classify players into three categories: guards, wings, and bigs. That being said, there are tons of players who don’t quite fit into even those categories. Is Luka Doncic a guard or a wing? Nikola Jokic is a big man, but he passes like a guard. The game is becoming positionless. 

This means that some players have to change their positions during their careers. Draymond Green entered the league as a small forward. He has played his most impactful minutes at center. 

Memphis’ Santi Aldama recently spoke about having to change his position during this season. 

“At the beginning of the season, I didn’t expect to play at the ‘5’ at all from the conversations with the coaching staff. But the group needed me to do it. It’s been hard to adjust at times. But it’s also been seamless because of the work we’ve put in, and I’ve been with Jaren [Jackson Jr.] my whole life. I’ve played the 4, and he’s played the 5. Now we’ve kind of switched it up. But it’s about having honest conversations and seeing where I can help the group at all times. With being one of the most veteran guys on the team and having been here as one of the longest, it’s important for me to be that voice and constant amid the chaos.”

Aldama is experiencing something many current NBA players have to go through. Being mature and doing what the team needs most is so important, and it sounds like, despite being surprised by his change of position, Aldama has the right attitude about it.