In a strategic move during the 2024 NBA Draft, the Memphis Grizzlies selected three promising talents: Zach Edey, Jaylen Wells, and Cam Spencer. Edey, picked 9th overall, was immediately positioned as the starting center, signaling the team’s expectations for him to make an immediate impact. Wells, selected 39th, secured a guaranteed contract and was initially set to play a depth role. However, due to injuries within the roster, he quickly ascended to a starting position.
Both Edey and Wells flourished in their rookie seasons, earning spots on the All-Rookie 1st team. In contrast, Spencer, chosen 53rd overall, faced a more challenging journey. After signing a two-way contract, he was hampered by an ankle injury that limited his appearances to just eight games with the Memphis Hustle, the Grizzlies’ G League affiliate. Nevertheless, he managed to make 24 appearances with the Grizzlies, with a standout moment coming against the Phoenix Suns when he engaged in memorable trash talk with Kevin Durant.
Many analysts speculated that Spencer was drafted as a potential replacement for Luke Kennard, who concluded his one-year contract with Memphis. This prediction proved accurate as Spencer developed into a valuable asset for the team, effectively replacing Kennard. Despite his limited playtime, Spencer made headlines with a remarkable 51-point game in the G League last December, showcasing his scoring prowess and potential.
Following the rookie season, the Grizzlies prioritized Spencer, signing him to a four-year, $10.5 million contract as free agency opened, while simultaneously letting Kennard go, as he signed with the Atlanta Hawks. Kennard’s tenure with the Grizzlies saw him average 10 points per game on a solid 46.2% shooting from beyond the arc over three seasons. However, by the end of his time in Memphis, he struggled with reduced shooting volume, averaging only 4.0 three-point attempts in his final season.
In stark contrast, Kennard is currently averaging just 3.3 three-point attempts per game with the Hawks, much to the dismay of their fanbase. Spencer, on the other hand, has emerged as an effective shooter for the Grizzlies this season, hitting 46.5% of his attempts from three on an average of 4.8 attempts per game. Additionally, his contributions extend beyond scoring, as he is averaging 3.9 assists per game—an achievement that Kennard never attained during his time in Memphis.
The Grizzlies demonstrated patience in developing Spencer as they aimed for a playoff push last season, before ultimately falling short. With the decision to hand over the keys to Spencer, the team is increasingly vindicated as he consistently proves his value on the court. His performance is not just a reflection of his skill, but also the franchise’s foresight in moving on from Kennard and embracing a new era with Spencer at the helm.
