Pat Spencer Bio
Patrick Andrew Spencer (born July 4, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The 6-foot-2 point guard and shooting guard signed a two-way contract with Golden State in February 2024 and later had that contract converted to a standard NBA deal. Prior to his basketball career, Spencer was a legendary college lacrosse player at Loyola Maryland, where he set the NCAA men’s lacrosse record for career assists (231) and won the Tewaaraton Award in 2019, regarded as the Heisman Trophy of college lacrosse.
Early Life and Background
Pat Spencer was born in Davidsonville, Maryland, and grew up in the Baltimore area. He attended Boys’ Latin School of Maryland, where he excelled in both lacrosse and basketball. Prior to his junior year of high school, Spencer experienced a significant growth spurt, increasing his height from 5-foot-6 to 6-foot-2, which transformed his athletic profile and future prospects in multiple sports.
At Boys’ Latin School, Spencer earned four varsity letters in each sport. In lacrosse, he was a US Lacrosse High School All-American and played for the Under Armour Underclass All-American Team Baltimore in 2014. He delivered strong performances as a junior with 30 goals and 30 assists, then improved to 49 goals and 51 assists as a senior. In basketball during his senior year, Spencer averaged 14.3 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game, demonstrating his versatility and playmaking abilities on the court.
Path to Basketball
Despite his elite lacrosse achievements, Spencer always maintained a passion for basketball. In an interview, Spencer explained that basketball had a significant impact on his lacrosse development, noting that skills from one sport translated well to the other. He described how both sports share similarities in spacing and the fundamental act of drawing defenders and finding open teammates.
After completing his dominant lacrosse career at Loyola Maryland, Spencer used his graduate year eligibility to pursue basketball at Northwestern University for the 2019-20 season. He averaged 10.4 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game during his single season of college basketball. The season was unfortunately cut short due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it provided Spencer with the foundation to transition into professional basketball.
Pat Spencer Career
Early Professional Career (2021-2022)
Following his college basketball season, Spencer began his professional journey overseas. In April 2021, he joined Hamburg Towers of the German Basketball Bundesliga for the remainder of the 2020-21 season. In eight games with the German club, Spencer averaged 7.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game while adapting to the European style of play.
Returning to the United States in October 2021, Spencer joined the Capital City Go-Go, the NBA G League affiliate of the Washington Wizards, for the 2021-22 season. He appeared in 26 games and averaged 6.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while continuing to develop his professional skills against experienced competition.
Santa Cruz Warriors Development (2022-2024)
On July 25, 2022, Spencer signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Golden State Warriors but was waived before the regular season began. He subsequently joined the Santa Cruz Warriors, Golden State’s G League affiliate, for the 2022-23 season. He appeared in nine games, averaging 10.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game before rejoining Santa Cruz in November 2023 for the 2023-24 campaign.
During the 2023-24 NBA G League season with Santa Cruz, Spencer averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 45 appearances. His consistent performances throughout the G League season earned him an opportunity with the NBA roster.
Golden State Warriors Breakthrough (2024-Present)
On February 22, 2024, Spencer signed a two-way contract with the Golden State Warriors, fulfilling his dream of playing in the NBA. He made his NBA debut three days later against the Denver Nuggets. Spencer appeared in six games for Golden State to conclude the 2023-24 season, averaging 0.7 points, 0.7 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game.
Spencer joined Golden State for the 2024 NBA Summer League and continued with the Warriors for the 2024-25 season. On January 10, 2025, he scored a season-high 17 points in a loss to the Indiana Pacers. On March 4, 2025, his two-way contract was converted into a standard NBA contract, solidifying his place on the roster. In 47 games during the 2024-25 regular season, Spencer averaged 2.9 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game.
Driving Style and Strengths
Spencer’s game is built around his playmaking ability and basketball intelligence, qualities he developed through years of elite competition in lacrosse. His experience as a point guard allows him to facilitate the offense effectively while also contributing as a scoring threat when needed. His background in lacrosse has enhanced his court vision, spatial awareness, and ability to read defensive rotations.
Notable Events and Milestones
The 2025-26 season marked a turning point in Spencer’s career. On December 6, 2025, he made his first career NBA start against the Cleveland Cavaliers, responding with 19 points and seven assists in a 99-94 victory. Head coach Steve Kerr praised Spencer’s performance, acknowledging his growth and impact on the team. On February 5, 2026, Spencer scored a career-high 20 points in a win over the Phoenix Suns. Two days later, his two-way contract was converted into a standard NBA contract.
Pat Spencer Career Wins
While individual statistics and game appearances define Spencer’s professional basketball career, his collegiate lacrosse achievements remain extraordinary. During his four years at Loyola Maryland, Spencer accumulated 231 career assists, setting the NCAA men’s lacrosse record. He also holds the Patriot League record for career points with 380 and ranks second on the all-time collegiate points list behind Lyle Thompson.
Lacrosse Highlights
Spencer won the Tewaaraton Award in 2019, the highest individual honor in college lacrosse. He also received the Lt. Raymond Enners Award as the USILA National Player of the Year and the Jack Turnbull Award as the nation’s top attackman in the same year. A four-time All-American, Spencer helped Loyola compile a 49-19 record during his collegiate career, including a 14-4 record in 2016 when the team reached the NCAA Final Four.
Other Achievements
In lacrosse, Spencer was selected first overall by the Archers Lacrosse Club in the 2019 Premier Lacrosse League collegiate draft, though he chose to pursue basketball instead. In basketball, his most significant professional milestone came during the 2025-26 season when he earned his first NBA start and recorded his first 20-point game.
Pat Spencer Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Spencer comes from an athletic family with strong basketball traditions. His younger brother, Cam Spencer, pursued a collegiate basketball career that took him through the Loyola Greyhounds, Rutgers Scarlet Knights, and ultimately the UConn Huskies, where Cam won the 2024 national championship.
Personal Life
Cam Spencer’s basketball career continued to rise as he was drafted with the 53rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons before his draft rights were traded to the Memphis Grizzlies. The Spencer brothers have both achieved the rare feat of playing professionally in basketball’s premier leagues, with Pat reaching the NBA and Cam competing at the collegiate level before entering the professional ranks.
2025 Season Performance
The 2024-25 season with the Golden State Warriors represented Spencer’s first full season with the organization after joining on a two-way contract in February 2024. He appeared in 47 games during the regular season, demonstrating steady development as a role player within the Warriors’ system. His January 2025 performance against the Pacers showcased his scoring ability when given opportunities.
Spencer’s season trajectory showed consistent improvement, culminating in the March 2025 contract conversion that provided him with increased security and standing within the organization. The transition from a two-way contract to a standard NBA deal reflected the coaching staff’s confidence in his contributions and potential.
Moving into the 2025-26 season, Spencer has established himself as a valuable member of the Warriors rotation. His December 2025 performances, including a 19-point starting role against Cleveland, demonstrated his readiness for expanded responsibilities. With his contract now fully guaranteed and his confidence growing, Spencer appears positioned for an expanded role with Golden State as he continues his professional basketball career.
