NBA's Best Bargain: Spencer's Unlikely Rise

Third-year guard Pat Spencer has been recognized on ESPN's NBA All-Value Team, highlighting players outperforming their contracts. Spencer, on a two-way deal making $636,435 this year, has delivered impressive averages of 7.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, shooting efficiently from the field and beyond the arc. His journey to the NBA is unique, as he only began focusing on basketball in 2019 after a decorated lacrosse career at Loyola, where he won the Tewaarton Award and was the top pick in the 2019 Premier Lacrosse League Draft.

Spencer's transition to basketball involved time in the G-League before signing with the Warriors in 2024. He has capitalized on increased playing time due to injuries, helping the team during Stephen Curry's absence. Notably, he scored a career-high 19 points in his first start on December 6, leading the Warriors to a win against the Cavaliers. His ability to consistently score in double figures in subsequent starts has been crucial.

The Warriors face a decision regarding Spencer's contract before the end of the current regular season; failure to convert him to a standard contract would make him ineligible for the postseason and a restricted free agent. Coincidentally, his younger brother, Cam Spencer, a guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, also achieved All-Value Team status. Cam, on a four-year, $10.4 million contract, averages 12.3 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists with exceptional shooting efficiency, making him a significant asset for the Grizzlies.