Pat Spencer’s Promising Play Adds Questions for Warriors

With Jimmy Butler and Stephen Curry sidelined with injuries against the Thunder and Cavaliers, the door opened for more minutes and opportunities. The Maryland native had already shown flashes earlier this season when sharing the court with the team’s stars, but in their absence, his impact was magnified.

Though considered an ‘older’ player by NBA standards, his experience and poise have paid dividends. When Curry and Butler missed time, the offense looked its best when it flowed through him.

After coach Steve Kerr controversially pulled him during the final minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kerr righted his mistake by closing with him against the 76ers. In a game where he had the team’s highest point total and plus-minus, he was the key to spearheading their comeback attempt.

Despite the Warriors heartbreakingly coming up short, one thing was evident: Pat Spencer needed to play more. 

Continuing to Impress

His strong performances became too much for Kerr to ignore. Kerr chose to give Spencer his first NBA start Saturday against the Cavs, in which he once again was the leading scorer and was a +9 in the five-point victory. The impressive outing propelled the squad to its first win without its star trio.

Spencer’s second consecutive start against the Bulls was another risk for Kerr that paid off in a big way. With Jimmy Butler back in the lineup, the team led the entire way and rattled off another win.

The Warriors went 2-1 on their road trip, which easily could have been 3-0. They now get four days of rest and have Steph Curry’s return looming, feeding Golden State a renewed sense of hope.

It’s too early to tell if those pivotal wins have unlocked something within this team. But remaining above .500 while missing their stars and enduring a brutal first month schedule could be an indicator that the tides are turning.

Two-Way Trouble

Spencer’s impressive play is a positive sign for a team desperate for supplementary help. The primary problem, however, is that the 29-year-old is currently on a two-way contract. This is an issue because he is only allowed to play a maximum of 50 games for the Warriors.

The contract limit takes into account any games he is made active for, not just ones he plays in. Following Sunday night’s game in Chicago, he has played in 17 of the Warriors’ 25 games, but has been made active for all 25. This means that he is already halfway over his quota, even though the Warriors still have 57 games left.

The Warriors’ predicament is made more interesting by Spencer outplaying his more youthful counterparts, who were touted as the up-and-coming iteration.

In Philadelphia, Kerr notably went with Spencer down the stretch over Moody, Kuminga, and Podziemski, whose nights ended early due to their struggles.

Kuminga played just two and a half fourth-quarter minutes in Cleveland and was a DNP in Chicago. The young triad may have more upside in the long run, but what the team needs at this moment is reliability and consistency. And as of now, Spencer has filled that role better than they have. 

His 7.4 point per game average doesn’t leap off the stat sheet; however, Pat Spencer’s ability to fearlessly take over games in the clutch while steadily initiating the offense makes him a crucial part of the team.

Pat Spencer Deserves a Spot

The needs of the roster make it hard to grapple with the point guard’s limiting contract.

Last season, the Warriors signed Spencer to a standard deal after being on a two-way again. They can do the same this go-around, though that would likely mean moving someone to create room.

An additional point to consider is the fight for minutes on the roster. Seth Curry and De’Anthony Melton’s returns will automatically take up two positions at the guard spot. In their brief playing time thus far, they have shown no reason to believe they shouldn’t see the floor.

The supporting cast’s underwhelming performances, along with team injuries, signify that Spencer must be available to play the remaining games. 

Above all, he has earned Steve Kerr’s trust. This is why keeping him should be a priority — even if it means having some uncomfortable conversations.