Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama will not play for Spain during the upcoming FIBA World Cup 2027 qualifying window.
The Spanish Basketball Federation announced that Aldama will miss the national team's training camp and the first window of the second qualifying round, scheduled from August 24 to 31.
Aldama had been pushing to return in time after undergoing surgery, but Spain ultimately decided not to rush his recovery ahead of the upcoming NBA season with his new team, the Mavericks.
According to the federation, the 25-year-old made a strong effort to be available for head coach Chus Mateo and had been working toward playing in Spain's games against Portugal in Zaragoza and Greece in Athens.
However, both the federation and coaching staff determined that keeping him out of the squad was the more prudent decision as he continues his recovery.
Santi Aldama
Santi Aldama
Santi Aldama
Spain will not replace Aldama
The Spanish federation emphasized Aldama's commitment to the national team and made clear that he remains an important part of its plans moving forward.
Mateo will not call up a replacement, leaving Spain with a 14-man roster for the upcoming window.
The squad consists of Alvaro Cardenas, Baba Miller, Sergio de Larrea, Jaime Pradilla, Mario Saint-Supery, Dario Brizuela, Alberto Diaz, Hugo Gonzalez, Izan Almansa, Willy Hernangomez, Aday Mara, Santi Yusta, Juancho Hernangomez and Joel Parra.
Aldama will instead continue preparing for his first season with Dallas while Spain moves forward without one of its key frontcourt players.