The Grizzlies made a flurry of moves to begin NBA free agency, including extending Jaren Jackson Jr., re-signing Santi Aldama, and signing Ty Jerome from the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, a lesser move was made during that flurry with the signing of a player who wasn't as recognized, but he is showing why in the Salt Lake City Summer League.
Cam Spencer won a national championship as the starting point guard on the University of Connecticut team that defeated his NBA counterpart Zach Edey and the Purdue Boilermakers in April 2024. He was drafted with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2024 NBA draft by the Memphis Grizzlies a few months later as a two-way prospect.
Due to his shooting prowess, he was widely assumed to be Luke Kennard's replacement as the former Grizzlies' guard re-signed on a one-year deal last offseason. After an impressive Summer League last year, Cam Spencer had an injury-riddled rookie season, but had a few moments that showed why he would likely command a roster spot this upcoming season.
The Grizzlies' general manager, Zach Kleiman, made a comment calling him an (expletive) Grizzly bear at his exit interview, which paved the way to the team signing him to a two-year, $4.5 million contract on the first day of free agency. His performance in this summer league is showing exactly why he was signed to the main roster
Cam Spencer plays like a "Grizzly Bear"
A rapper named Mystikal once dropped a bar that said, "If you ever see me fighting in the forest with a Grizzly bear, help the bear!" That statement is accurate for Cam Spencer's summer league teammates who are feeding off the intensity he has provided them throughout their first two games in Salt Lake City.
After finishing the Grizzlies' first summer league game with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists, Spencer came out firing on all cylinders in his second summer league game. He hit five of his first six threes to finish the first half with 17 points and a ripped jersey to show why the Grizzlies made it a priority to sign him to the main roster when free agency began.
He is near automatic from three when he gets any space and has a motor on the defensive end that will certainly gain him some looks at potential playing time this upcoming season. Zach Kleiman has a track record of hitting on second-round draft picks, and looks to be on his way to achieving it again with Cam Spencer in the fold.