After being drafted 53rd overall and signing a two-way contract with the Grizzlies last summer, Cam Spencer showed great promise despite an injury-riddled rookie season. Cam Spencer made a great first impression during the 2024 Summer League, averaging 13.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 57.9% shooting from the field on an outrageous 52.6% from three.
Spencer also played with great intensity on defense, adding 1.5 steals per game. Like his time at the University of Connecticut (UCONN), Spencer displayed elite shooting and contagious energy on both sides of the ball.
An ankle sprain during the Summer League and a midseason thumb fracture shortened Spencer’s season, but he still displayed the offensive upside he can provide Memphis in the near future. In just five games with the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle, Spencer averaged 20.4 points and 4.6 assists in 32.4 minutes per game.
He also shot 43.9% from three and scored 51 points against the Birmingham Squadron on December 2nd. This breakthrough performance earned him more NBA opportunities, and he did not disappoint in his limited NBA action.
Despite only playing 252 total NBA minutes as a rookie, Spencer averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 assists in just 10.1 minutes per game and shot 35.6% from three. Another important stat to consider is that Spencer had a 58.7 True Shooting percentage (TS%), which was higher than the league average for shooting guards at 57.3 TS%.
While Cam is already dangerous off catch-and-shoot opportunities, he showed significant growth scoring off the dribble compared to his college days. With increased playing time, Cam Spencer will immediately solve the Grizzlies’ need for more shot creation and three-point shooting.
Cam Spencer fits the gritty mindset of the city of Memphis
Zach Kleiman stated in his exit interview that he wants to add more grit to the team. Spencer has been notorious for his trash-talking and fierce competitiveness since his college days. He endeared himself to the Memphis fanbase by scoring 16 points and adding three steals in just 20 minutes during their March 10th win against Phoenix. However, the main highlight was Cam Spencer taunting Kevin Durant after a made three-point shot late in the third quarter, giving the team a much-needed spark. Beyond his skill set, Cam Spencer fits the exact mold of gritty players that Zach Kleiman wants.
With Santi Aldama and Luke Kennard set to hit free agency, Cam Spencer is a natural replacement already on the roster. Similar to past two-way players such as Scottie Pippen Jr. and GG Jackson II, the Memphis Grizzlies should offer a four-year deal in the $8.5-$9.6 million range this summer. Signing Spencer to a standard contract would allow the Grizzlies to add an elite shooter with defensive upside for a low cost and multiple years of team control.
This offseason, the Memphis Grizzlies must add players with grit and effective three-point shooting to the roster. Cam Spencer not only immediately solves these key areas of need, but giving him a contract could end up being one of the biggest steals in recent memory.