THE Memphis Grizzlies are garnering a lot of attention as they head into what many expect to be a resurrection campaign in 2024-25.
After a rotten 2023-24 season riddled with injuries and key player absences, Ja Morant and his team are looking to regain their status as a top team in the Western Conference, and it appears they are well-positioned to do so.
Not only should health be on their side, but this summer, general manager Zach Kleiman managed to address several weak spots in Memphis’ rotation, including acquiring Purdue standout center Zach Edey in the lottery portion of this year’s NBA draft.
Of course, the juggernaut wasn’t the only player the Grizzlies signed during the June festivities, as the club finds itself entering the new year with three total entry-level talents drafted, one of whom is currently considered an “overlooked” commodity who could end up surprising the masses.
In a recent article written by Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher ReportNBA Draft Insider highlighted six specific first-year players who are flying a bit under the radar when it comes to buzz and media attention and who it believes could “compete for All-Rookie teams,” and among those mentioned is Grizzlies second-round forward Cam Spencer.
Citing the team’s need for additional ball handlers (Ja Morant and Derrick Rose have both proven to be multiple injury risks over the years) and shooters (Memphis ranks second-worst in long-range shooting in 2023-24), Wasserman feels like his abilities on both fronts could make him a useful piece in coach Taylor Jenkins’ rotation right out of the gate.
“The shot remains his calling card, but Spencer was one of the most effective pick-and-roll players in college basketball with his pace control, three-level shooting and veteran decision-making.
“Even with Memphis at full strength, coach Taylor Jenkins could use Spencer in a connector role. His passing IQ and elite off-ball shooting create an easy fit for the 24-year-old who last year totaled 145 assists to just 40 turnovers and graded in the 99th percentile on shooting on the move, according to Synergy Sports,” Wasserman wrote.
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Throughout this year’s Summer League, Spencer showed that his academic excellence and intangibles can take center stage at the professional level, as he averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 assists, 3.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game while shooting an incredibly efficient 68.8 percent from the floor and 57.1 percent from distance.
In addition to his game, the 24-year-old’s demeanor and general intensity have already apparently captivated his Grizzlies teammates, with promising forward GG Jackson publicly stating that he considers him a “fucking dog,” largely because “his work ethic is crazy.”
Spencer has built a reputation over the years as a very intense player, with himself admitting to Grind City Media earlier this summer that he would go so far as to “sacrifice his life on the court to win a basketball game.”
Heading into the 2024-25 season, the reigning NCAA champion (who won the national title in 2023 with UConn) finds himself on a two-way contract, ensuring he’ll rotate between the franchise’s college and development teams in his first year.
Of course, with such a contract, players are allowed to see more than 50 games played at the NBA level and, as we saw last season, the Grizzlies are not averse to using that luxury to the fullest.
As a result, Cam Spencer may well find himself seeing more action than many expect during his first professional campaign, and Wasserman believes the rookie could end up surprising the masses with his play.
