The Golden State Warriors placed significant expectations on Pat Spencer to step up during Stephen Curry’s absence this season, with early signs in December suggesting he might fill that role effectively. However, as the games have progressed, Spencer’s ongoing struggles have raised serious questions about his reliability for a Warriors team still aiming for a playoff berth.
Recent Performances Highlight Growing Issues with Spencer
Spencer showcased a promising performance before the All-Star break, scoring 17 points and providing seven assists against the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite this, his impact over the past four games has been noticeably poor. Averaging nearly 25 minutes per game, Spencer has not scored in double digits since that outing, which is troubling for a team relying on consistent contributions from their point guard.
In the Warriors’ latest loss at the Smoothie King Center against the New Orleans Pelicans, Spencer managed just five points, two rebounds, and four assists, shooting 2-of-7 from the field and 1-of-4 from beyond the arc. His shooting woes have persisted, with a 32.1% field goal percentage and only 18.3% accuracy on three-pointers over that recent stretch, marking the worst shooting figures among his teammates.
Limited Alternatives and Roster Constraints Complicate Warriors’ Options
Golden State’s predicament is intensified by their limited options at point guard. The team opted against signing another dedicated point guard, believing ball-handling responsibilities could be shared among Curry, the injured Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and backup playmakers Brandin Podziemski and De’Anthony Melton. However, neither Podziemski nor Melton are viewed as ideal candidates to take over the starting point guard role, with the former showing promising form off the bench and the latter preferred as the starting shooting guard.
The Warriors’ hesitation to start either Podziemski or Melton at point guard forces the team to rely heavily on Spencer despite his dip in form. This situation is made more complex by the ongoing absence of Curry, sidelined with a ‘runner’s knee’ injury for the last eight games. The team’s confidence is largely tied to Curry’s potential return, as no other clear solution exists within their current lineup.
Roster Decisions Draw Questions Amid Spencer’s Decline
Before the All-Star break, the Warriors upgraded Spencer’s contract from a two-way agreement to a full roster spot, bypassing interest in bringing in an experienced point guard like former No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball. Given Spencer’s recent underperformance and the team’s continued struggles with ball-handling depth, Golden State might be reconsidering that choice as the playoffs approach.
