Dallas Mavericks forward Santi Aldama has taken another step toward making his debut with the team as he continues recovering from right knee surgery.
The Mavericks announced Tuesday that Aldama had been assigned to their G League affiliate, the Texas Legends, to participate in practice as part of his return-to-play program.
Aldama underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right knee and has yet to appear in a regular-season game for Dallas since joining the franchise during the offseason.
The forward was acquired from the Memphis Grizzlies in a six-team trade, but his recovery has prevented him from making his first appearance in a Mavericks uniform.
With G League training camps beginning this week, Dallas took advantage of the opportunity to give Aldama additional practice time and allow him to participate in full scrimmages.
The G League’s Tip-Off Tournament is scheduled to begin November 6, but teams have already started preparing for the competition through training sessions and scrimmages.
The arrangement allows Aldama to take part in more intensive basketball activities than he would have been able to complete with the Mavericks on Tuesday.
Dallas played Monday night and is scheduled to return to action Wednesday, leaving limited opportunities for a full team practice between games.
