The Grizzlies drafted three gamers through the 2024 NBA Draft: Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer. Edey was picked ninth and basically granted the beginning middle job instantly after being drafted. Jaylen Wells was picked thirty ninth and acquired a assured contract with the staff as a projected depth piece, earlier than accidents granted him the chance to change into a starter.
Whereas Edey and Wells went on to obtain accolades as All-Rookie 1st staff members following their rookie seasons, the 53rd general decide, Cam Spencer, needed to carve out one other path. He signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies, however an early ankle harm restricted him to solely eight video games with their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
He finally performed 24 video games with the Grizzlies, with his most notable sport coming towards the Phoenix Suns when he trash-talked Kevin Durant. Many individuals broadly assumed that Spencer was drafted as Luke Kennard’s substitute after he completed out his one-year contract, and the Grizzlies adopted that precise path to the outcomes which have them vindicated of their choice.
Spencer has been an improve over Kennard
Although his time was restricted final season, Spencer made waves with a 51-point sport within the G League final December. Following his rookie season, the Grizzlies made him a precedence by signing him to a four-year, $10.5 million contract when the signing interval started. Additionally they allowed Luke Kennard to stroll as he signed with the Atlanta Hawks.
Kennard’s time with the Grizzlies noticed him common 10 factors on 46.2% taking pictures from three in three seasons with the staff. Nevertheless, his time had soured by the tip as he averaged solely 4.0 three-point makes an attempt in his last season, a knock he has had with each staff he has been with all through his profession.
Now, Kennard is just averaging 3.3 makes an attempt from three with the Hawks, which had their fanbase in shambles in the beginning of the season. In the meantime, Cam Spencer is taking pictures 46.5% from three on 4.8 makes an attempt per sport for the Grizzlies this season. He’s additionally displaying higher playmaking skill with 3.9 assists per sport, a quantity Luke Kennard by no means achieved throughout his time in Memphis.
The Grizzlies knew they’d a hidden gem when choosing Spencer within the draft final offseason. He and the staff had been affected person together with his growth as they tried to make a run in the direction of the highest of the Western Convention final season earlier than falling off ultimately. Luke Kennard’s function in that fall made their choice straightforward this offseason to provide the keys to Cam Spencer, and he’s proving them proper each time he steps on the courtroom.
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