SAN FRANCISCO — Pat Spencer practiced Thursday morning in Santa Cruz and arrived in Chase Center about an hour before Golden State’s game against the Lakers. It’s a commute he’ll have the pleasure of getting used to now.
Spencer, regarded as one of the greatest college lacrosse players of all time, officially signed a two-way contract with the Warriors on Thursday. Speaking from his new locker, plastered with jersey number 61 in Warriors branding, he said this development in his unique career arc is just the beginning.
“I think for me, it’s just another step in the journey,” Spencer, 27, told this news organization. “I think the goal is obviously to make the final roster at some point, get a real contract. But this is an opportunity to get my foot in the door with a great organization.”
Spencer took a two-way roster spot previously occupied by Lester Quinones, who got promoted to a standard deal. As a two-way player, Spencer will make a prorated portion of half a rookie minimum salary and spend time with both the Warriors and G League Santa Cruz Warriors. Although he hasn’t yet accomplished his ultimate goals, even getting to this point is historic.
Just five years ago, Spencer won the 2019 Tewaaraton Award — the Heisman Trophy of lacrosse — for Loyola Maryland. He led the nation in points that senior year and still claims the record for most career assists in Division I history. Even back then, he could envision himself playing in the NBA, he said Thursday.
“Competitively, as an individual I don’t put any limits on myself,” Spencer said. “I knew it was going to be a long journey, lot of hard work. It’s still a journey. But competitively, I never doubt myself.”
After that season, he used his graduate transfer eligibility to play basketball at Northwestern, pursuing his long-held dream. He has said that he considers basketball and lacrosse as similar sports and some skills, like vision and anticipation, are transferrable. Steve Kerr praised his motor and basketball I.Q.. Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis complimented his work ethic and leadership skills.
Spencer played a bit of pro ball in Germany after Northwestern and then broke into the G League with the Wizards’ affiliate in 2021. He’s been in the Warriors organization for the past two years, though injuries cut into his experience. A fractured wrist ended his 2023 season prematurely, and he also got hip surgery in March.
But now Spencer is fully healthy and eager. Even if it doesn’t pan out, his untaken path to the NBA can provide a lesson.
“Just don’t put limits on yourself,” Spencer said. “Obviously, you’ve got to be passionate about what you’re doing. I just have such a desire and passion for the game, it just made sense for me to get after it and pursue what I love to do.”