Cam Spencer and Tristen Newton wrap up solid second pro seasons

Cam Spencer (53rd overall) and Tristen Newton (49th overall) were second round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. Both have performed well with the opportunities presented to them as less-heralded pro prospects.

Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies, Spencer saw the floor 25 times in his rookie campaign with eight G League appearances. After signing a four-year, $10.5 million contract, he made a major jump in the sophomore season, playing in 72 games and starting in 25.

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The 6 ‘3 guard averaged 11.1 points on 44.9% from three-point range, which ranked him 3rd in the NBA behind Bobby Portis and Luke Kennard. The former UConn sparkplug has become a key role player for the Grizzlies.

Spencer is on a rebuilding Memphis team which dealt Desmond Bane to Orlando last offseason and 2-time All-Star Jaren Jackson Jr. to Utah at the deadline. He faced off against former teammate Stephon Castle and the San Antonio Spurs in early January, finishing with 21 points, 13 in the 4th quarter, 8 rebounds and 8 assists. Spencer hit the go ahead shot with 36 seconds left, knocking off the powerhouse Spurs team.

“It felt good, I love winning,” Spencer said postgame.

Winning is what the former Husky is used to. Off the court, Spencer caught some UConn games, most notably the Elite 8 classic as the Huskies knocked off Duke to head to the Final Four.

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“I wouldn’t be here today without them and, super grateful to have had those guys in my life. Got to play with a few of the guys who are still left on the team, obviously, and, just super proud of them for fighting back yesterday,” said Spencer after seeing Braylon Mullin’s buzzer beater to cap off the comeback win over the Blue Devils.

Newton’s path has been more winding. He was selected 49th in the 2024 draft by the Indiana Pacers. The guard played for their G League affiliate before being waived and picked up by Minnesota. This season, he appeared in 35 G League games, 5 for the Iowa Wolves and 30 for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, where he is currently on a two-way Contract with the Houston Rockets.

Newton was selected to play in this year’s Rising Stars Game at…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/cam-spencer-tristen-newton-wrap-170658983.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-28 17:06:00

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