The Dallas Mavericks might have just snagged themselves a cheat code this season, because their two new Spanish stars, rookie Sergio De Larrea and recently traded Santi Aldama, already have serious on-court chemistry. These guys have logged a ton of minutes together, not on the Dallas practice court, but during FIBA EuroBasket 2025 and the lead-up to the tournament. This pre-existing connection means they might not need much time to start making a real impact for the Mavs from day one.
FIBA EuroBasket: A Glimpse of Maverick Magic
Even though Spain had a tough run, failing to get out of the group stage after a tight 90:86 loss to Greece, Aldama and De Larrea were absolute bright spots. They led their country, with Santi Aldama a force on both ends, averaging a stellar 14 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. The seven-footer showed off that crucial ability to shoot from beyond the arc, a skill Dallas desperately needs for spacing. Meanwhile, 19-year-old Sergio De Larrea ran the show, dishing out 4.4 assists per game and flashing some serious playmaking and shooting skills. It wasn’t just a casual showing either: these two were the *only* Spanish players to log more than 20 minutes a game, giving us a clear look at what they can do together. You can even catch glimpses of De Larrea’s playmaking in some of the highlight reels floating around.
More Than Just Buckets: The Cultural Connection
But the on-court synergy isn’t the only thing that’s going to fast-track these guys. Here’s the kicker: Santi Aldama isn’t just a fellow Spaniard, he’s also a veteran NBA player who spent years in college here in the US. That means he’s fluent in the language and, critically, understands the vastly different culture, values, and ways of life. For a rookie like De Larrea, making the leap to the NBA can be a shock, from opening a bank account to just figuring out where to grab a bite. Aldama, at 25, has been there, done that, and can make De Larrea’s transition infinitely smoother. Whether the Mavs brought Aldama over from Memphis to be a much-needed spacing option, to help De Larrea acclimatize, or a bit of both, it’s clear his presence will make a huge difference. Dallas is getting more than just two talented players; they’re getting a built-in support system ready to hit the ground running this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Mavs Moneyball.
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