As a fifth-year senior, Cam Spencer was a crucial piece to the Connecticut Huskies, even winning the 2024 national championship. His competitive spirit and shooting talent eventually led to him being selected 53rd overall by the Detroit Pistons. Shortly after, the Grizzlies acquired his draft rights, and in year two, they are finally reaping the benefits.
It was an uneven rookie season for Spencer as he struggled with multiple injuries. However, a strong finish to his rookie season showed he could be a valuable player in Memphis long-term. In 25 games, he averaged 4.2 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists, but most importantly, it was clear he possessed special shooting talent and the grit the Grizzlies had been looking for.
Cam Spencer is proving he is more than just a shooter
For the season, Cam Spencer is averaging 12.3 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists through 29 games. Despite an injury crisis for the Grizzlies, he has proven he can make an impact and should be a key rotation piece even as the team gets closer to full strength. In an increased role during December, he is averaging 17.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists, all while posting 56/55.8/94.7 shooting splits.
Since his college basketball days, it has been evident that Spencer is a special perimeter shooter. While he has continued to shoot at a high level in the NBA, his growth as a playmaker has been remarkable. His assist rate has jumped from 18.2% as a rookie to 30.1% this season, per NBA.com. This is all while having an outrageous 69.1 TS% for the season despite the increased role.
Spencer has played at a high level even as a starter
Due to injuries, Spencer was inserted into the starting lineup for the last three games and has capitalized on every opportunity. During this stretch, he has averaged 14.7 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. Another important development has involved keeping the turnovers down despite playing more on-ball offense.
The main selling point of Spencer's game will continue to be his high-level shooting. But during a time that the Grizzlies have lacked ball-handlers, he has shown he can run the offense at a high level regardless of his shot volume. His ability as a pick-and-roll ball-handler should allow him to stick in the rotation even as Ja Morant and Ty Jerome return.
Spencer is unafraid to shoot; however, the victory against the Utah Jazz on Dec. 23 showed his ability to adapt to the circumstances of each game. He attempted just eight shots in 32 minutes, but his ability to involve his teammates proved pivotal as he recorded 13 assists and just one turnover.
His ability to create scoring opportunities while protecting the ball has been a huge asset for a Grizzlies team struggling to defend during Zach Edey's absence.
The 2024 NBA Draft was largely portrayed as a weaker class, but the Grizzlies have greatly boosted the talent level on their roster. Edey and Jaylen Wells stood out in last year's 2024 Rookie of the Year race and have made significant sophomore leaps, but Spencer's rise has been one of the biggest bright spots of the Grizzlies' season.