Overview
- Spain announced that Santi Aldama is unavailable for the final European qualifying window after a recent surgical procedure on his right knee and a cautious rehab plan.
- The Spanish Basketball Federation and coach Chus Mateo praised Aldama’s commitment and chose not to name a replacement, leaving a 14‑player squad to prepare for two upcoming qualifiers.
- Spain enters the window atop Group I with a 5–1 record and will face Portugal at home and a Greece team traveling without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- The Dallas Mavericks see the decision as aligned with their goal of having Aldama ready for training camp, and reporting indicates the club expects him to be available for the NBA season.
- The move highlights the recurring tension between short FIBA windows and NBA recovery schedules and protects a 25‑year‑old player regarded as a key part of Spain’s future plans.