Quick Read
- Pat Spencer, a former college lacrosse star, is now a key contributor for the Golden State Warriors in the 2025-26 NBA season.
- Spencer is on a two-way contract, averaging 7.2 points in 15.7 minutes per game, with standout performances including a career-high 19 points vs. the Cavaliers.
- His future depends on the Warriors’ roster moves; if his deal isn’t converted by season’s end, Spencer will be ineligible for the playoffs and a restricted free agent.
Pat Spencer’s NBA story doesn’t start on a hardwood court. It begins on the grass fields of college lacrosse, where Spencer was a generational talent—a player so dominant that he won the Tewaaraton Award, lacrosse’s version of the Heisman Trophy, and became a household name in the sport. But after graduating from Loyola University Maryland, Spencer made a decision that stunned the lacrosse world: he pivoted to college basketball, using his final year of NCAA eligibility at Northwestern. This was the first chapter in a journey defined by risk, grit, and an unwavering belief in himself.
Spencer’s basketball career, while promising, didn’t immediately open the doors to the NBA. He went undrafted, a humbling moment that could have ended the dream for many. But Spencer’s competitive fire—honed from years as a lacrosse star—fueled his persistence. He joined the NBA G League, where he spent two seasons battling for recognition among hundreds of hopefuls, often playing for minimum-level deals and two-way contracts. In 2023, he caught the attention of the Golden State Warriors, who offered him a two-way contract. It wasn’t glamour, but it was a shot.
Spencer’s Breakout with the Warriors
Now in his second and final two-way stint with Golden State in the 2025-26 season, Pat Spencer has become one of the NBA’s most compelling underdog stories. According to ESPN, Spencer has started three games, averaging 14.3 points and 5.7 assists during those starts. Over his last ten games, his shooting numbers have been eye-catching: 51.4% from the field and 47.4% from deep. He hit a career-high 19 points in the Warriors’ December 6th win over the Cavaliers, and the team is plus-8.1 points per 100 possessions with him on the floor—a testament to his impact.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr summed it up after that win: “It’s fun to watch a guy who has had to fight for everything finally get his moment and not only seize it but grab it by the neck. This guy is a competitor.” Spencer’s journey resonates with teammates and fans alike—a reminder that sometimes, the most inspiring stories in sport come from those who refuse to take the easy road.
Crunch Time: Value Beyond the Stat Sheet
Spencer’s contract—just $636,435 for the season—places him among the league’s best value players, as highlighted in the NBA All-Value Team by ESPN. He’s playing starter-caliber minutes, producing at a level far above his pay grade. With the Warriors roster maxed out at 15 players and only $264,000 below the second apron, his future hinges on the team’s cap management and decisions regarding players like Jonathan Kuminga. If Spencer’s contract isn’t converted to a standard deal by the end of the regular season, he’ll be ineligible for the postseason and become a restricted free agent in July. The stakes are real—not just for Spencer, but for Golden State’s rotation.
What sets Spencer apart isn’t just his numbers—it’s the energy and composure he brings. Whether starting or coming off the bench, he’s a steadying force, capable of driving the offense, hitting timely shots, and defending with intensity. His lacrosse background, where spatial awareness and quick decision-making are paramount, translates surprisingly well to basketball. The Warriors, in a tight race for playoff positioning, have found in Spencer an unexpected asset: a player who lifts the team’s floor and ceiling alike.
Pat and Cam: The Spencer Brothers Making NBA Noise
Pat isn’t the only Spencer making waves. His brother Cam Spencer has become a force for the Memphis Grizzlies, averaging 12.3 points and shooting a blistering 50% from three-point range, per NBA.com. Cam is an early contender for Most Improved Player and Sixth Man of the Year. In a recent win over the Clippers, Cam scored a career-high 27 points with seven triples. The Grizzlies are riding his hot hand as they push up the Western Conference standings.
On December 22, both brothers starred in a packed NBA slate. Pat was a “force for Golden State,” as noted by NBA.com, while Cam posted 14 points and 8 assists against the Thunder. Their success is a family affair—a pair of underdogs redefining what’s possible for overlooked prospects. Jaren Jackson Jr. praised Cam’s relentless practice habits: “Sometimes he is there at night. Sometimes he is there when we don’t want him to be there. Honestly, people stay trying to kick him out (of the practice facility).”
Warriors vs. Magic: Spencer Steps Up
On December 23, the Warriors faced the Orlando Magic, with Spencer again playing a key role. The Warriors won decisively, 120-97 (VAVEL), with Stephen Curry leading the way and Spencer contributing valuable minutes. The starting lineup featured Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Quinten Post, Curry, and Moses Moody—a testament to Golden State’s depth and flexibility. Spencer’s ability to fill gaps, provide ball movement, and hit perimeter shots has made him an essential part of the rotation, especially when injuries or rest require adjustments.
As the regular season advances and the postseason looms, Spencer’s story is still unfolding. Will Golden State find a way to keep him eligible for playoff basketball? Will his journey inspire other multi-sport athletes to take risks, bet on themselves, and chase their dreams? In an NBA landscape defined by superstars and salary caps, Pat Spencer is proving that value—and heart—can come from the most unexpected places.
Spencer’s journey is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. While his future in Golden State remains uncertain due to contract limitations, his impact is undeniable: he’s elevated the Warriors when it mattered, and his fight for a standard NBA contract is one that resonates far beyond the box score. As the trade deadline approaches, the league—and fans—will be watching to see if his remarkable season earns him a permanent place in the NBA.