Grizzlies rookie named as a potential surprise next season

The Memphis Grizzlies will enter the forthcoming 2024-25 season with a lot of things to prove. Following a forgettable year marred by injuries and struggles, Ja Morant and Co. will seize the new campaign with a fresh start to redeem themselves as one of the NBA’s elite teams.

Out of this aspiration, the Grizzlies will expect nothing but significant contributions within their talented group from top to bottom, which they can also rely on one of their promising newcomers.

Spencer to surprise everyone?

In his recent Bleacher Report piece , Jonathan Wasserman identified a Memphis rookie who can potentially make some unexpected noise in the forthcoming season.

Tackling plenty of overlooked who can surprise in the 2024-25 season, Cam Spencer made it to the cut of the Wasserman's list. According to the longtime draft expert, the ex-UConn star can excel in a reliable role as a reserve ball handler for Ja, given his brilliant passing and savvy basketball IQ.

“Even with Memphis at full strength, coach Taylor Jenkins could use Spencer in a connector role. Passing IQ and elite off-ball shooting creates an easy fit for the 24-year-old who last year totaled 145 assists to just 40 turnovers and graded in the 99th percentile on movement jumpers, per Synergy Sports,” Wasserman wrote.

Slated to contribute

The 53rd pick of this year's NBA Draft, Spencer demonstrated promising signs of play for the Grizzlies in the past Summer League outing. He impressed everyone with his solid feel for the game, terrific playmaking, and shooting, averaging 13.0 points, 3.8 assists, and 57.9 percent shooting from the field (10-19 from threes) across three games before ultimately sitting out of the tournament due to an ankle injury.

While most of the hype and anticipation centers around Zach Edey, we should also pay attention to what Cam can actually contribute to the Grizzlies. As tons of opportunities are set to possibly welcome him, we can only hope for the best that he'll make the most out of it to help the team win.

Related: Lu Dort ranked among the top 30 small forwards in the NBA