Santi Aldama is still expected to be fully ready for the Dallas Mavericks despite his ongoing injury recovery hindering him from joining La Roja in the upcoming FIBA World Cup qualifiers window.
Per NBA insider Marc Stein, Aldama is poised to be ready for the Mavericks' training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season.
The Mavericks are scheduled to begin training camp by Sept. 23, ahead of most teams as they and the Houston Rockets are set to play a special international doubleheader in the 2026 NBA China Games.
Santi Aldama out for Spain in August window of FIBA WC Europe Qualifiers
Santi Aldama will miss Spain's FIBA World Cup 2027 Europe Qualifiers in the August window to prioritize recovery following his midseason surgery.
Aldama underwent a season-ending arthroscopic procedure and orthobiologic injection to address discomfort in his right knee last March for the Memphis Grizzlies.
The 25-year-old forward made a major effort in rehab to be ready for Spain's games, but the team's national federation opted to keep him out to let him fully recover before the new NBA season.
Aldama was traded to the Dallas Mavericks in early July as part of a massive, multi-team transaction.
Spain to enter FIBA WC Qualifiers second round after a sizzling opening round
Spain will play against Portugal (August 28) and Greece (August 31) for this month's window of the FIBA World Cup Europe Qualifiers.
La Roja has been placed in Group I for the second round, going up alongside Montenegro, Ukraine, Georgia, Greece, and Portugal.
Despite Santi Aldama's absence, Spain remains fully competitive in the competition following their strong 5-1 campaign in the opening round of the qualifiers.